Tazewell woman pleads guilty to stealing more than $250,000 in Black Lung, Social Security benefits

A Tazewell, Virginia woman pleaded guilty last week to stealing more than $250,000 in Black Lung and Social Security benefits over the course of 18 years. According to a report from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Martha Patrick Williams, 79, waived her right to be indicted by pleading guilty to one count of receipt and conversion of public monies and one count of fraud.

Court documents say Williams received, endorsed, and deposited monthly Black Lung and Social Security checks that were intended for her deceased mother. Officials say Williams’ mother died in 2003, and from then until 2021, she fraudulently received payments for 18 years, which totaled to more than $255,000. Her charges to which she pleaded guilty carry a maximum sentencing of 10 years in prison. Read more here.

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