Pompano Beach Woman Convicted of Stealing $152,000 in in Social Security Benefits Following Great-Aunt’s Death

U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Florida

A federal jury in the Southern District of Florida convicted a Pompano Beach woman of stealing more than $152,000 in Social Security retirement benefits intended for her deceased great-aunt over nearly six years.

Asha Anderson, 48, of Pompano Beach, was convicted of theft of government funds and Social Security fraud following a six-day trial.

“Social Security is funded by the hard work of American taxpayers and exists to support those who are lawfully entitled to its benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “For nearly six years, Asha Anderson stole more than $152,000 in benefits intended for her deceased great-aunt. Today’s jury verdict makes clear that those who steal from programs Americans depend on will be investigated, prosecuted, and held accountable.”

“Ms. Asha Anderson knowingly diverted more than $152,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her late great aunt and her conviction protects Social Security funds while holding accountable those who misuse them,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Jermaine Jack of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), Atlanta Field Division. “I commend both our investigators and partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their diligent effort in bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Anderson’s great-aunt received Social Security benefits by direct deposit into a bank account. Because the Social Security retirement benefits through direct deposits into her bank account. After her great- aunt passed away, the Social Security Administration, unaware of her death, continued depositing monthly benefit payments into the account.

Between April 2017 and December 2022, Anderson repeatedly accessed her late great-aunt’s bank account and withdrew more than $152,000 in Social Security retirement benefits to which she was not entitled. Over the nearly six-year period, Anderson made hundreds of cash withdrawals from ATMs located primarily in Pompano Beach and Coconut Creek. 

Anderson faces up to 10 years in federal prison for theft of government funds and up to five years for Social Security fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

SSA OIG is investigating the case. 

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikole Hiciano and General Crimes Fraud Unit Chief Germaine Corprew are prosecuting the case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Zack is handling asset forfeiture.