CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Mingo County woman admitted Thursday to receiving Social Security benefits on behalf of a deceased relative.
Diana Cisco, 69, of Delbarton stated she received $46,356 in federal benefits from June 2016 to April 2020. The benefits were directed toward a relative who had died; Cisco also said she was aware she was not supposed to take the payments.
Cisco also provided false information to the U.S. Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General in March; according to federal officials, Cisco initially claimed to be her own sister and that Diane Cisco would be in Columbus, Ohio for at least a month. Federal agents searched vehicle registration records and photographs of Cisco as well as obtained statements from other individuals to confirm Cisco’s whereabouts.
Cisco faces up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $750,000 fine. Her sentencing date is scheduled for Sept. 1.