A Barre woman was charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing more than $100,000 in Social Security benefits, according to an announcement on April 20 by federal authorities.
Jennifer Valley, age 51, faces one count of theft of government money. Prosecutors allege that Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits between October 2022 and August 2025. She is expected to appear in federal court at a later date.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts.” Foley also said: “The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.” Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg from the Major Crimes Unit will prosecute this case. Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge for the Social Security Administration’s Office of Investigations Boston Field Division also participated in announcing these charges.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced it had created a National Fraud Enforcement Division aimed at investigating and prosecuting those who steal or misuse taxpayer dollars. These efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions involving national security threats and civil rights violations according to its official website. The office serves all residents throughout Massachusetts with locations at Boston’s John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse as well as branch offices in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website. It employs over 200 attorneys and staff members according to its official website.
As part of its mission within the United States Department of Justice according to its official website, this office has handled prosecutions since its establishment as one of America’s earliest such entities dating back to 1789 according to its official website.
Authorities remind that all details contained within charging documents are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
