Jennifer Valley of Barre pleaded guilty on May 22 in federal court in Worcester to stealing more than $100,000 in Social Security retirement benefits. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled her sentencing for Aug. 28.
Valley admitted to one count of theft of government money after being charged in April. The case highlights the ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.
According to court documents, Valley stole approximately $100,218 from October 2022 through August 2025. She had been appointed as a representative payee for a beneficiary who had died and failed to report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA). In June 2023, she submitted a report claiming all received benefits were used for the deceased’s care, including $23,157 paid after death during that period. Later that year, she updated SSA records with her new address under the deceased’s name to conceal their passing.
The charge carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss. Sentencing will be determined based on federal guidelines and statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge at SSA Office of Inspector General’s Boston Field Division announced the plea agreement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg is prosecuting the case.
“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.” The team aims “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).
“On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division.” The division investigates and prosecutes those committing fraud against Americans as part of President Trump’s Task Force chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts advances community initiatives on civil rights and violence prevention; maintains facilities at multiple locations including Boston; is part of the United States Department of Justice; employs over 200 staff members; enforces federal laws including national security threats and civil rights violations; and serves all residents statewide according to its official website.
