Maryann Manning, a 63-year-old resident of Wolcott, Vermont, has been sentenced to two years of probation for stealing Social Security benefits. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss on December 2, 2024. In addition to probation, Manning is required to pay $119,978 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Manning had previously pleaded guilty to charges related to receiving stolen government money. Court records reveal that Manning's brother was a recipient of disability insurance benefit payments from the SSA until his death in October 2015. Despite his passing, Manning continued to collect these benefits by withdrawing funds from her deceased brother's accounts.
Manning admitted during investigations that she knowingly took money that did not belong to her. The total financial loss incurred by the SSA due to this fraudulent activity exceeded $119,000.
United States Attorney Nikolas P. Kerest acknowledged the investigative work carried out by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig prosecuted the case against Manning, who was represented by attorney Robert Behrens.