ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) - An Alexandria woman has pleaded guilty to stealing more than $77,000 in Social Security benefits that were meant for her deceased mother.
U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley, in a news release, said 59-year-old Sherilyn Ann Dowden pleaded guilty Monday before U.S. District Judge Dee D. Drell to one count of theft of government property.
Authorities say Dowden stole $77,445 in payments from July 1, 2009 until March 31, 2015. Dowden wrote checks to herself and family members from an account for her deceased mother that the Social Security Administration was depositing money into. The agency was unaware of Dowden’s mother’s death in June 2009.
Dowden faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine and restitution.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 26.
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