Canton Township, PA – A Pennsylvania woman, Debbie Bebout, is expected to plead guilty to felony theft for allegedly cashing her deceased brother-in-law’s Social Security checks. Debbie, 64, and her husband, James Bebout, 68, appeared remotely during a preliminary hearing on December 26 in connection with several charges including theft, criminal conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse.
James Bebout reported on January 16 that he discovered his brother, Michael Bebout, dead after bringing him breakfast. When police arrived, they found only skeletal remains, indicating that Michael had been deceased for several months.
During the hearing, Greene-Washington Regional Police Corporal Adrian Poux described the overwhelming odor at the Bebouts’ home. Poux noted that the conditions were among the worst he had ever encountered.
James Bebout stated that his wife was the primary caregiver for his brother. On the day of discovery, Debbie was in jail on a bench warrant, prompting James to take on the caregiving role that morning.
Poux testified he believed James Bebout was aware of the situation, stating he was “dazed” when informed of the circumstances.
Further investigations revealed that Debbie Bebout allegedly pretended to care for her brother-in-law while collecting $6,189 in Social Security payments. The funds were reportedly utilized for groceries and living expenses.
While Debbie will plead guilty, James Bebout has denied involvement in the scheme, asserting he was unaware of his brother’s death until that January morning. His defense attorney indicated that she did not implicate him in the crime.
Assistant District Attorney Robert West argued that the pervasive smell in their shared home indicated James Bebout’s complicity. A judge agreed, asserting that “inaction is action” in regard to the deceased body.
Debbie Bebout is expected to receive a sentence of time served, while James Bebout is scheduled for trial on conspiracy to commit theft and a misdemeanor charge of abuse of a corpse. He remains in custody with a $6,000 cash bond, and an arraignment has been set for January 27, 2026.