A Reno woman appeared in court on Wednesday for allegedly fraudulently obtaining her deceased uncle’s Social Security payments.
According to allegations in court documents, the Social Security Administration continued to deposit Social Security retirement benefits into the bank account of Sherry Kim Picetti’s uncle because it was unaware of his death.
In total, approximately $102,728 in benefits was deposited after his death, according to a release from the Department of Justice.
From August 2021 to March 2023, Picetti allegedly converted at least $15,000 of those funds for her own use.
Picetti is charged with one count of theft of government money.
A jury trial has been scheduled for December 1.
If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 10 years.
