St. Louis Woman Admits Theft of Dead Father’s Retirement Benefits

ST. LOUIS - A St. Louis, Missouri woman on Monday admitted misusing $55,000 of her father's Social Security benefits after his death.

Carmen Needy, 65, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. She admitted that after her father's death on Aug. 31, 2016, his Social Security retirement benefits continued to be deposited onto a debit card. Between 2016 and May of 2020, Needy used the debit card to access $55,381 in benefits to which she was not entitled.

Needy is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2025. Her crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. A defendant's ultimate sentence is determined by the court and is based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Klocke is prosecuting the case.