BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — An 87-year-old Amherst woman admits she fraudulently collected more than $235,000 from Social Security.
Ann Cliett, also known as Annie Miles, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny on Tuesday.
Cliet admitted she started collecting benefits under two different identities beginning in 1993. She first sarted receiving benefits under the name ANnie Miles after the death of her husband in 1975. That same year, she applied for a second Social Security card under the name Ann Cliett. Then, in 1992, she applied for widow's benefits under the Cliett identity following the death of her second husband.
Cliett was caught when she tried to renew her New York State identification card as Annie Miles. The DMV used facial recognition to discover she had a driver's license under the name Ann Cliett.
It was later determined by the Social Security Administration that two benefits were being paid to the defendant. Cliett received $235,565.90 over the course of 26 years.
It was also discovered Cliett fraudulently received $22,892 in SNAP benefits.
Cliett has agreed to repay both government entities. She faces up to 15 years in prison when she is sentenced December 5.
