Milford Man Sentenced for Stealing $292k in Social Security Benefits from Dead Mom's Account

A Milford man has been sentenced to six months of prison and three years of supervised release for using nearly $300,000 in social security benefits from his dead mother for more than 25 years.

William Chase, 69, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds in December, according to the U.S. District Attorney District of Connecticut Office.

According to court documents and statements made in court his mother died in November 1988.

Chase was a co-signer on a checking account where his mother’s social security funds were deposited. He didn’t notify the Social Security Administration of her death or take any steps to stop monthly payments.

He utilized nearly $292,000 of the $307,396 deposited since her death for his own personal use and enjoyment.

The bank returned the remaining balance of $14,761 to the Social Security Administration. Chase has been ordered to pay full restitution.

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