A Wolcott woman, who stole about $120,000 in Social Security benefits

A Wolcott woman, who stole about $120,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her brother, who died, has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to fraud. Maryann Manning, 63, admitted in federal court on Thursday she received and kept Social Security benefit payments that were earmarked for her brother between May 2019 and June 10, 2023. She converted the stolen money to her own use, the charge said. Under a plea agreement, Manning will forfeit about $120,000 which has been traced to her theft, court records show. Manning has been cooperating with federal authorities and agreed to waive the requirement that a grand jury indict her for the felony case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office agreed to charge her with only one count. Under a plea deal for her cooperation, the Assistant U.S. Attorney has agreed to recommend no prison term, court records show.