Destiny Brown, 45, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted on Social Security fraud charges this month.
United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, New York Field Office, made the announcement.
The charges relate to Brown’s alleged misuse of her deceased wife’s children’s Social Security benefits that she applied for and received after the Schenectady County Department of Social Services removed the children from her custody.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Brown was arraigned on the Albany indictment and ordered released pending further proceedings.
If convicted, Brown faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervision of up to three years. Brown would also have to pay restitution to the victims of her criminal conduct.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is investigating this case, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Paul Tuck is prosecuting this case.
