Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $62k In Social Security Funds

Orlando, Florida -United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Teresa Eve Hunt (63, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Hunt faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, she agreed to forfeit the proceeds of her criminal conduct, and to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, M.H. received both Social Security and VA benefits, which were directly deposited into a checking account to which her daughter, Hunt, had access via a power of attorney. M.H. died on April 13, 2016, at Hunt's home in Orlando, Florida. Hunt did not report M.H.'s death to the SSA or VA, both of which continued to deposit benefits for M.H. into the account, thinking she was still alive. Hunt took those benefits, to which she was not entitled, and spent them on her own personal expenses. In total, Hunt knowingly converted to her own use and/or the use of another $62,857 in Social Security benefits and $59,120.95 in VA benefits.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General's Southeast Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.