Ridgely woman pleads guilty to stealing over $173,000 in welfare

A Ridgely woman has pleaded guilty in Maryland’s U.S. District Court for stealing $173,529 in social security and Medicaid benefits.

According to reports from June 2003 to July 2013, 59-year-old Debra Kay Schindler received Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid benefits due to back disorders and diabetes. Schindler reported to SSA that she was married but was living alone and had no income or resources. However, during the entire period that she received SSA and Medicaid benefits, she was living with her husband who worked at Giant Food. Schindler also shared a bank account with her husband, and was the co-beneficiary of his pension. Had the agency been aware of Schindler’s income, resources, or living arrangements, she reportedly would not have qualified for any benefits.

Schindler faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for theft of government property and has agreed to pay restitution of $173,529.81.

Sentencing for Schindler has been scheduled for April 27, 2016 at 3:00 PM.