N.Y. woman sentenced for keeping deceased boyfriend’s body in basement and collecting his benefits

ROCHSTER, N.Y. (TCN) -- A 63-year-old woman will spend time in prison for concealing her boyfriend’s death, leaving his body in the basement, and collecting his Social Security benefits.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York announced on July 17 that a judge sentenced Wendy Stone to 12 months in prison. She previously pleaded guilty in April to conversion/unlawful conveyance of government money.

According to an initial release from federal prosecutors, Stone’s boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman, died on Dec. 28, 2022. Stone reportedly resided with her boyfriend, who received Social Security benefits before his death.

Authorities said Stone discovered Crisman’s body days after he died and failed to report his death. She moved his body to the basement, where she wrapped it, placed it in a recycling bin, and periodically poured bleach on him to "prevent foul odor." Stone then reportedly continued to collect her boyfriend’s benefits.

According to the attorney’s office, before he died, Crisman ordered a replacement debit card to obtain benefits, and it was depleted by Jan. 15, 2023, with charges at The Peppermill Restaurant, Walmart, BJ’s Wholesalers, The Home Depot, and Staples, and there were also ATM withdrawals on the card.

On March 7, 2023, the card was allegedly used to create a Rent-A-Center account for a $1,815.05 purchase.

Prosecutors said Stone collected nearly $7,900 of benefits intended for Crisman between January and September 2023. She also reportedly received an additional $1,072 in SNAP benefits "that she was not entitled to receive."

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