Woman Faces Charges Stemming From Boyfriend's Death

A 63-year-old woman faces charges of theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement to obtain social security benefits.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas A. Testani, who is handling the case, Wendy Stone, a resident of Rochester, NY, has been arrested and charged with several offenses that stem from her deceased boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman.

Investigators asserted Crisman had been receiving Social Security benefits before his death on December 28, 2022. However, authorities stated Stone failed to notify anyone of Crisman's passing. Instead, she allegedly moved his body to the basement of their residence and continued to collect his benefits. Officials believe that to avoid detection, Stone wrapped Crisman's body and placed it in a plastic recycling bin, periodically pouring bleach on it to mask any foul odor.

Before his death, the report confirmed Crisman had requested a replacement debit card for his benefits. On January 6, 2023, authorities stated the card was activated with a new PIN. On the following day, debits began on Crisman's new card. By January 15, 2023, investigators stated the card had been depleted, with charges made at various locations such as The Peppermill Restaurant, Walmart, BJ Wholesalers, The Home Depot, Staples, and through ATM withdrawals. They also stated the card was used to open a Rent-A-Center account on March 7, 2023, resulting in a purchase worth $1,815.05. Stone allegedly depleted $7,902.00 of benefits intended for Crisman between January and September 2023.

On January 3, 2024, the Social Security Administration conducted a redetermination of Stone's eligibility for benefits. During this process, Stone falsely reported that no changes had occurred in her household since December 2021, including births or deaths. She also claimed that she had not received any financial assistance from anyone since December 2021. The misuse of Crisman's benefits rendered Stone ineligible for her benefits from December 28, 2022, through September 2023.

Stone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, she could face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.