BOSTON — On Monday, April 20, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced that a Barre woman has been charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, was charged with one count of theft of government money and is expected to appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
Prosecutors allege Valley stole about $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits from October 2022 through August 2025.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts reported that the charge of theft of public funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, special agent-in-charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General’s Boston Field Division, announced the charge. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
Federal officials said the case comes amid a broader crackdown on benefit fraud in Massachusetts. Last month, Foley announced the creation of a Benefit and Voter Fraud Team focused on investigating and prosecuting misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits throughout the Commonwealth.
Officials also encouraged the public to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).