A Barre woman has been charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing more than $100,000 in Social Security benefits, according to an announcement made on April 20 by federal authorities.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts to address benefit fraud and the misuse of taxpayer-funded programs. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts said such prosecutions are part of broader initiatives to protect public resources and ensure accountability.
Jennifer Valley, age 51, faces one count of theft of government money. Authorities allege that she stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits between October 2022 and August 2025. Valley is scheduled to appear in federal court at a later date. If convicted, she could face up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts.” Foley also said: “The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.” Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud by calling a dedicated hotline.
Further context comes from recent developments at the national level. “On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division,” according to statements included with this case announcement. The division aims “to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars” as part of broader efforts led by President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts advances community initiatives on civil rights and violence prevention while enforcing federal laws through prosecutions including national security threats and civil rights violations. The office employs over 200 attorneys and staff members statewide with facilities at courthouses including Boston’s John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse as well as branch offices in Springfield and Worcester.
The office serves all residents across Massachusetts handling both criminal prosecutions and civil litigation for federal matters since its founding in 1789.
Authorities remind that all details contained within charging documents are allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.