Binghamton woman steals over $25,000 in Social Security benefits from her child

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Binghamton woman admitted to stealing her child’s Social Security benefits after the child was removed from her custody.

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United States Attorney Carla Freedman and Amy Connelly, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, New York Field Office announced on Thursday that Loretta Washington, 60, pled guilty to multiple charges of social security fraud as part of a plea deal.

Washington admitted on Wednesday that she had applied for and was receiving social security benefits for her child as a representative-payee. A representative-payee is a person selected by the SSA to receive benefits on behalf of a person who is unable to manage their own payments.

In September 2018, Broome County Department of Social Services removed Washington’s child from her custody after they were seen by themselves on a road in the middle of the night. The child was four years old at the time.

Washington never reported the change in custody to the Social Security Administration. Additionally, she lied to the Social Security Administration that the child was still in her custody. It was reported that Washington stole over $25,000 in social security benefits between October 2018 and November 2021.

Washington faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. She will also be required to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration.

Washington is scheduled for sentencing on February 13, 2025, in Syracuse.

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