Stepmom's Death Goes Unreported in $176K Scam

OXON HILL, MD — A Prince George’s County woman has admitted to federal authorities that she didn’t report her stepmother’s death so she could collect Social Security benefits for two decades.

Federal prosecutors say Gloria Wilson, 59, of Oxon Hill, pleaded guilty Wednesday to theft of government property arising from a scheme to steal $176,874 in Social Security benefits.

According to her guilty plea, Wilson’s stepmother received retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration; the unidentified relative died on October 31, 1996. Her death was not reported to the SSA.

In subsequent years, the dead woman’s retirement benefits were paid first mailed to a post office box held in Wilson’s and her late stepmother’s names, and then after 2000 paid by direct deposit into a jointly held account.

Federal authorities stopped paying the benefits in January 2014.

SSA paid a total of $176,874 in retirement benefits for E.W. after October 31, 1996. After her stepmother’s death, Wilson withdrew substantially all of the benefits deposited in the bank account.

When she was interviewed by law enforcement, Wilson admitted that she knew she was not entitled to the retirement benefits.

Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for theft of government property. Wilson has agreed to pay restitution of $176,874. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 21.