A Meridian woman will spend up to a decade in prison for stealing social security benefits intended for a pair of elderly individuals.
Taruars Santae Grace, 46, admitted that she stole a total of $25,364 in retirement benefits intended for the two unidentified victims. Grace diverted the funds into bank accounts to which she had access and control.
The suspect would spend the benefits for her personal use despite knowing that she was not entitled to the money. She was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024 and pled guilty on Wednesday to theft of government funds.
Grace is scheduled to be sentenced on February 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
