WORCESTER — The office of U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said that a Barre woman was charged in federal court in Worcester with stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
The charging document alleges the theft of approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits from October 2022 through August 2025. Jennifer Valley, 51, was charged with one count of theft of government money. Valley will make an appearance in federal court in Worcester at a later date.
The charge of theft of public funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Foley announced the charge along with Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, and Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, Foley, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative to uncover misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts. The team is led by two senior federal prosecutors.
On April 7, President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
-Office of U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley
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