Lynn Woman Sentenced for Stealing Social Security Benefits Intended For Her Deceased Mother

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts

BOSTON – A Lynn woman was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for stealing over $50,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased mother over a period of three and a half years.    

Teresa M. Carrington, 66, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to five years’ probation. Carrington was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the amount of $50,210. On May 31, 2023, Carrington pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds. 

Carrington’s mother died in May 2016. However, the death was never reported to the SSA and, as a result, continued to issue monthly SSA Retirement Insurance Benefits to Carrington’s mother. From June 2016 through January 2020, Carrington stole at least $50,210 in RIS benefits erroneously paid to her deceased mother. To obtain the funds, Carrington wrote monthly checks on her deceased mother’s bank account – each of which was made payable to Carrington and fraudulently endorsed with her mother’s forged signature. Carrington then used the funds to pay bills and other personal expenses.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.