An East Weymouth resident, Debora A. Siler, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to one count of bank fraud related to the fraudulent collection of Social Security benefits. The plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin, who scheduled sentencing for December 15, 2025.
According to court documents, Siler obtained approximately $61,685.13 in Social Security benefits between June 2015 and September 2020. Authorities stated that after a Social Security beneficiary died in May 2015, Siler continued to access the individual’s checkbook and debit card rather than reporting the death to either the Social Security Administration or the bank where benefits were deposited. Investigators said she forged the deceased’s name on checks and made regular withdrawals using the debit card.
The charge of bank fraud carries a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss—whichever is greater. Sentencing decisions are made by federal district court judges based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory considerations.
“United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.”
