A woman from Middlesex County, New Jersey, has admitted to defrauding the Social Security Administration by collecting her deceased mother's retirement benefits over an eight-year period. This was announced by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
Deborah Bailey, aged 68, from Piscataway, New Jersey, confessed to the theft of public money before U.S. District Judge Robert A. Kirsch in Trenton. The charge stems from knowingly withdrawing funds that were meant for her deceased mother, which continued to be deposited into her mother's bank account after her death in 2016.
According to court documents and statements, Bailey did not inform the Social Security Administration about her mother's passing. She continued to make withdrawals from the account, collecting approximately $150,903 in retirement benefits. The Social Security Administration, through an investigation, discovered the improper withdrawal of funds.
The theft of public money charge Bailey faces carries a possible maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. She is scheduled for sentencing on August 19, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited the investigation to special agents from the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, led by Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
The defense is represented by David Holman, Esq.