Binghamton Woman Accused of Stealing Benefits

A Binghamton woman is facing federal charges, accused of unlawfully collecting her deceased husband’s Social Security benefits.

61 year old Patricia Williams is accused of withdrawing monthly benefits from her late husband’s bank account and did not disclose the payments to the Social Security Administration.

Acting United States Attorney Grant Jaquith and Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration New York Field Office, John Grasso say the indictment against Williams alleges that she withdrew money from the bank account from May of 2005 to December of 2013, spending more than $104,000 in benefits.

Williams’ husband died in 1990.

The woman is charged with theft of government property and supplemental security income fraud.  More charges are pending.

If convicted, Williams could spend up to ten years in prison, three years parole and pay a $250,000 fine.

Williams is expected to go on trial in January.