Reno Woman Indicted for Stealing Social Security Payments

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Nevada

A Reno woman made her initial appearance in court today for allegedly fraudulently obtaining her deceased uncle’s Social Security payments.

“Stealing federal benefits meant for vulnerable citizens is a serious crime that undermines the integrity of our social safety nets,” First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office remains deeply committed to working alongside the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who weaponize identity theft to defraud federal programs. We will continue to protect the hard-earned benefits of American taxpayers and ensure that individuals who abuse these systems are held fully accountable under the law.

“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant failed to report her uncle’s death and stole more than $100,000 in Social Security benefits intended for him,” said Christian Assaad, Special Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, San Francisco Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of Social Security fraud and hold accountable those who seek to exploit these vital programs.”

According to allegations contained in court documents, the Social Security Administration continued to deposit Social Security retirement benefits into the bank account of Sherry Kim Picetti’s deceased uncle because it was unaware of his death. In total, approximately $102,728 in benefits was deposited after his death. From August 2021 to March 2023, Picetti allegedly converted at least $15,000 of those funds for her own use.

Picetti is charged with one count of theft of government money. A jury trial has been scheduled for December 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne R. Traum. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in custody. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Weidhaas is prosecuting the case.