Martinsville Woman Pleads Guilty in Social Security Fraud Case

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Virginia

A Martinsville woman, who stole almost $30,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased boyfriend, was ordered to repay the money she stole and sentenced to two years of supervised release. 

Jackie Cayton, 55, previously pled guilty to one felony count charging her with theft of government money. 

According to court documents, from January 1, 2024, through September 16, 2025, Cayton used the deceased’s debit card to steal $29,988 in Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits to which she was not entitled. 

Law enforcement was made aware of Cayton’s action in September 2025 when a family member of the deceased SSA beneficiary (“the Deceased”) reported that his romantic partner, Cayton, was in possession of the Deceased’s Social Security benefits card and was spending the money. 

Further investigation confirmed that the benefits were paid directly to a Truist bank account belonging to the Deceased through September 2025; even though he had died in December 2023.  

Agents determined that Cayton used her deceased boyfriend’s benefits to make large ATM withdrawals of $400, online payments for cosmetics, as well as purchases at a Collinsville furniture store, Aldi, Walmart, Food Lion, and Appalachian Power Company. 

First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement. 

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the matter with significant contribution from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne prosecuted the case.