Douglasville Woman Sentenced For Stealing Dead Husband's Benefits

DOUGLASVILLE, GA - A Dougasville woman has been sentenced to federal prison for stealing more than $150,000 in social security benefits intended for her dead husband.

Linda A. Nickolson, 57, pleaded guilty in September to stealing the money and was recently sentenced to a year in prison, said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak, according to the Douglas County Sentinel.

Nickolson also received two years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and pay restitution of $159,243, Pak said in a press release.

“The money this defendant stole was intended for disabled people who cannot work,” Pak said.

Nickolson’s husband died in October 2009. Rather than report his death to the Social Security Administration, she continued to receive his monthly Social Security disability benefits and spent the money on herself.

“Nickolson was able-bodied but chose not to work, and instead supported herself by stealing from the government," Pak said. "Social Security benefit theft is not a victim-less crime; it harms everyone who has paid into the Social Security system.”

This sentence is a warning to those who may conceal a death from Social Security and continue to use those benefits, said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.

"This is a Federal crime, one that we will vigorously pursue on behalf of all taxpayers,” she said

When she was finally confronted, Nickolson lied and claimed that she thought she was entitled to receive her husband's disability benefits because she was his next of kin, according to the Douglas County Sentinel.

Nickolson received $159,243 in Social Security money that wasn't hers.