ROCHESTER, NY. – U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today the arrest of Wendy Stone, 63, of Rochester, New York, on charges including theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement to obtain Social Security benefits. If convicted, Stone faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is prosecuting the case, outlined the allegations in the criminal complaint.
According to the complaint, Stone’s boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman, passed away on December 28, 2022. Despite Crisman’s death, Stone allegedly failed to report it to authorities and instead moved his body to the basement of their residence. She is accused of wrapping Crisman’s body in plastic and storing it in a recycling bin, periodically pouring bleach on the body to mask any odors, all while continuing to collect his Social Security benefits.
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Before his death, Crisman had requested a replacement debit card for his Social Security benefits. On January 6, 2023, the card was activated with a new PIN. The following day, transactions began on Crisman’s card, including charges at local businesses such as The Peppermill Restaurant, Walmart, BJs Wholesalers, The Home Depot, and Staples, as well as ATM withdrawals.
By January 15, 2023, the card was depleted. Stone also used the card to open a Rent-A-Center account on March 7, 2023, for a purchase totaling $1,815.05. Between January and September 2023, $7,902 in benefits intended for Crisman were deposited into his account and subsequently spent by Stone.
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On January 3, 2024, during a Social Security Administration (SSA) review for continuing eligibility for Stone’s own benefits, she allegedly falsely reported that no one had moved into or out of her residence since December 2021, including any births or deaths, and claimed that no one had assisted her with bills or rent during that time. Stone’s use of Crisman’s benefits made her ineligible for her own Social Security benefits from December 28, 2022, through September 2023.
The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Bradley Parker, and the Rochester Police Department, led by Chief David Smith.
Stone is currently awaiting further legal proceedings.
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