Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Her Deceased Grandmother’s Social Security Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Hudson, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Stephen R. Kaufman announced today.

Lori Shaffer, age 53, of Hudson, Florida, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from July 2013 through October 2017, Shaffer stole approximately $43,672 in Survivor’s Insurance Benefits from the United States Social Security Administration, which were paid to her deceased grandmother and to which she knew she was not entitled.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for February 8, 2022 at 9:30AM. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Shaffer.