Deltona Woman Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $66,000 In Social Security Funds

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that April L. Brockman (42, Deltona) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Brockman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Brockman must also pay restitution to the Social Security Administration and forfeit the proceeds of her criminal conduct. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, “B.B.” received Social Security benefits, which were direct deposited into her checking account. Brockman, B.B.’s granddaughter, had access to the account via a power of attorney. B.B. died on June 19, 2021, at age 95. No one reported her death to the Social Security Administration, which continued to deposit monthly benefits into her account. Brockman accessed and spent all these post-death benefit payments for B.B. via a variety of online expenditures, Cash App payments to herself, and debit purchases. In total, Brockman knowingly converted to her own use and/or the use of another $66,016 in Social Security benefits to which she was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.