U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
Rochester, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement to obtain Social Security benefits. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Stone’s boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman, died on December 28, 2022. Stone lived with Crisman, who received Social Security benefits prior to his death. However, Stone failed to notify anyone of Crisman’s death and instead moved his body to the basement of their residence while continuing to collect his benefits. Stone wrapped Crisman’s body and placed it into a plastic recycling bin, periodically pouring bleach on his body to prevent foul odor.
Prior to his death, Crisman requested a replacement debit card for his benefits. On January 6, 2023, the card was successfully activated with a new PIN number. The next day marked the beginning of debits from Crisman’s new card. By January 15, 2023, the card was depleted with charges at The Peppermill Restaurant, Walmart, BJs Wholesalers Club Inc., The Home Depot Inc., Staples Inc., as well as ATM withdrawals. The card was also used to open a Rent-A-Center account on March 7 for a $1,815 purchase.
Between January and September 2023, $7,902 in benefits intended for Crisman were deposited into his account and depleted by Stone. On January 3 this year (2024), the Social Security Administration conducted a redetermination for continuing eligibility for Stone’s benefits; she falsely reported that since December 2021 no one had moved into or out of her residence—including births or deaths—and that nobody had helped pay her bills or rent since December 2021.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General under Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Bradley Parker and the Rochester Police Department under Chief David Smith.
"The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation," said Ross in closing remarks about the case's status before trial proceedings continue.
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