Vermont Woman Pleads Guilty to Stealing Social Security Benefit Payments

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

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Maryann Manning, 63, of Wolcott, Vermont, pleaded guilty yesterday in United States District Court in Burlington to fraudulently converting tens of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefit payments. Chief U.S. District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford released Manning on conditions pending sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date.

On May 13, 2024, the U.S. Attorney filed a one-count information charging Manning with receiving stolen government money. Manning made her initial appearance in federal court today and pleaded guilty to that charge. According to court records, Manning’s brother received disability insurance benefit payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Manning’s brother died in October 2015 at which time his SSA benefits should have terminated. Following his death, however, Manning collected her brother’s benefits from SSA by withdrawing the money from his accounts. The total loss to the Social Security Administration is more than $119,000.

Manning faces up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.

Manning is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq. The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Stendig.