ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A Rochester woman was sentenced Thursday to 12 months in federal prison after admitting to concealing the death of a man to illegally collect his government benefits, U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced.

Wendy Stone, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of conversion and unlawful conveyance of government money. She was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr.

According to court documents, Stone discovered the body of Victim 1, a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), at their Rochester residence shortly after his death on December 28, 2022. Instead of notifying authorities, she moved the body to the basement, wrapped it in plastic, placed it in a recycling bin, and periodically poured bleach over it to mask the odor.

From January to September 2023, Stone used the deceased man’s debit card and Social Security number to activate a new card and withdraw $7,902 in SSI benefits. She also falsely recertified for SNAP benefits in February 2023, claiming the man still lived with her, resulting in an additional $1,072 in improperly obtained assistance.

The body remained hidden in the basement for approximately nine months before being discovered in September 2023.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani prosecuted the case.

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