A woman from Passaic County, New Jersey, has admitted to defrauding the Social Security Administration by obtaining more than $144,000 in survivor benefits over a ten-year period. Joan Charnecky, 60, of West Milford, pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025, before Senior U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to a charge of theft of public money.
According to information presented in court and related documents, Charnecky’s mother was receiving widow’s insurance benefits that were deposited monthly into her bank account. After her mother’s death in 2012, Charnecky did not inform the Social Security Administration and continued to withdraw the funds for her own use. An investigation by the Social Security Administration determined that between 2012 and 2022, Charnecky withdrew approximately $144,768.30 from the account.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for January 21, 2026.
“Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.”
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.
Charnecky is represented by defense counsel Joel Bacher.
