An East Weymouth resident was sentenced in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits. Debora A. Siler, 68, received a sentence of time served, which amounted to about one day in prison, and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $62,885 in restitution.
Siler pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of bank fraud after being charged the previous month. According to court documents, from June 2015 through September 2020, Siler obtained roughly $61,685 in Social Security benefits and a $1,200 COVID economic impact payment by accessing funds meant for a deceased beneficiary.
Authorities stated that Siler had access to the checkbook and debit card belonging to a Social Security recipient who died in May 2015. Instead of notifying the Social Security Administration or the relevant bank about the death, she continued using these financial tools by forging checks and making regular withdrawals with the debit card.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement.” Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg prosecuted the case.
