Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $62k In Social Security Funds

elderly couplePhoto byPhoto by Matthias Zomer:

Orlando, FL — United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced Teresa Eve Hunt, 63, of Orlando, has pleaded guilty to theft of government property, as announced by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Hunt faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. As part of her plea agreement, she has agreed to forfeit the proceeds of her illegal activities and to make full restitution to both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Her sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, Hunt's mother, M.H., had been receiving Social Security and VA benefits, which were directly deposited into a checking account accessible to Hunt through a power of attorney. M.H. passed away on April 13, 2016, at Hunt's home in Orlando. However, Hunt failed to report her mother's death to the SSA or VA, allowing the benefits to continue being deposited into the account. Hunt then used these funds for her own personal expenses, despite knowing she was not entitled to them. In total, she unlawfully took $62,857 in Social Security benefits and $59,120.95 in VA benefits.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Office of Inspector General's Southeast Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.