Florida man accused of cashing dead mom's Social Security checks since 2004

A South Florida man is accused of cashing his dead mother's Social Security checks since 2004, court records show.

According to U.S. Southern District of Florida court records, Richard Greenberg, 67, of Sunrise, received $225,475 in improper funds since his mother's death in 2004, the Miami Herald reported. Court documents show he has only $1,500 in the bank, the newspaper reported.

Greenberg was arrested Nov. 18 and was charged with 55 counts of theft of government property, the Sun-Sentinel reported. Greenberg faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted. A trial is set for Jan. 14, according to the newspaper.

An investigation began when the Office of the Inspector General's Florida death match audit discovered Rose Greenberg's retirement income benefits were continuing after her death, the Herald reported. The money was deposited into Richard and Rose Greenberg's joint account, with the last deposit made in July, the newspaper reported.

According to a criminal complaint, records showed Richard Greenberg withdrew money from the joint account and "converted these funds to his own use after his mother’s death."

Richard Greenberg also receives $871 monthly in Social Security disability benefits for two medical conditions, the Herald reported.

Greenberg was given a $100,000 bond, according to the newspaper.

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