Piscataway Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft of Over $150k in Deceased Mother’s Social Security Benefits

Deborah Bailey admitted to withdrawing federal retirement payments over an eight-year period following her mother’s death in 2016.

TRENTON, N.J. — A Middlesex County resident has admitted to fraudulently receiving more than $150,000 in Social Security retirement benefits intended for her deceased mother, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Deborah Bailey, 68, of Piscataway, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert A. Kirsch in Trenton federal court to a charge of theft of public money. Sentencing is scheduled for August 19, 2025.

According to court records and statements made in court, Bailey’s mother was receiving retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration, which were deposited electronically into her bank account. After her mother’s death in 2016, Bailey failed to inform the agency and continued to access the funds, making withdrawals from the account over an eight-year period.

An investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General determined that Bailey improperly withdrew approximately $150,903 in benefits between 2016 and 2024.

The charge of theft of public money carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

The investigation was led by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.