TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa woman has been indicted on federal charges after prosecutors say she concealed her aunt’s death in order to continue collecting benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Rebecca Stewart Vaughn, 64, is charged with four counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years on the theft charge. Prosecutors are also seeking forfeiture of more than $75,000.
According to the indictment, Vaughn allegedly carried out a scheme involving Social Security and pension payments belonging to her aunt, identified as J.C. Authorities said after her aunt died, Vaughn concealed the death and continued receiving monthly benefit payments.
Prosecutors allege Vaughn wrapped the body in blankets, sheets and plastic bags, placed it in a mattress bag and disposed of it in a wooded area near a wastewater treatment plant. She is also accused of falsely telling law enforcement her aunt was still alive.
Officials said Vaughn used the funds for personal expenses after the benefits continued to be issued.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is a formal charge, and Vaughn is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.