Former Acton Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security Benefits

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts:

BOSTON – A former Acton woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing Social Security benefits intended for her children.   

Elizabeth Smith, 40, currently of Pawtucket, RI, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to six months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, ordered to pay $74,464 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. In December 2019, Smith pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. Smith was charged and arrested in September 2018. 

From October 2012 through October 2015, Smith stole Social Security benefits that were paid to her on behalf of her three children. In August 2014, Smith fraudulently told Social Security that she used all of the money she received on behalf of her children for their care and support, despite the fact that her children were no longer in her care, but in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Smith stole approximately $74,464.50 in Social Security benefits.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.

BOSTON – A former Acton woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing Social Security benefits intended for her children.   

Elizabeth Smith, 40, currently of Pawtucket, RI, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to six months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, ordered to pay $74,464 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. In December 2019, Smith pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements. Smith was charged and arrested in September 2018. 

From October 2012 through October 2015, Smith stole Social Security benefits that were paid to her on behalf of her three children. In August 2014, Smith fraudulently told Social Security that she used all of the money she received on behalf of her children for their care and support, despite the fact that her children were no longer in her care, but in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Smith stole approximately $74,464.50 in Social Security benefits.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.