Chicago Woman Accused of Social Security Fraud After Hiding Mother’s Body in Freezer for 2 Years
- On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced federal fraud charges against Eva Bratcher, 72, alleging she stole over $20,000 in benefits intended for her deceased mother, Regina Michalski.
- Prosecutors allege Bratcher concealed Michalski's death after she died on March 4, 2021, keeping the body in a freezer at their West Melrose Street home for nearly two years to continue collecting government payments.
- "During those two years, Bratcher assumed her mother's identity, collected her mother's SSA benefits, and used her mother's benefits," according to the DOJ. She also allegedly used an alternative Social Security number to obtain further SNAP funds.
- Bratcher is one of 17 defendants charged nationwide in a $1.3 million Social Security fraud crackdown. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald stated, "Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from a retiree's medicine, meals, or housing."
- Scheduled for an initial court appearance at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Thursday, Bratcher previously served 213 days in jail following a 2023 state-level conviction for concealing her mother's death and now faces up to five years in prison.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Chicago woman who hid mother’s body in freezer indicted on fraud charges
A Chicago woman who kept her mother’s body in a freezer for two years has been indicted on federal charges of stealing Social Security and food assistance benefits, according to prosecutors. She allegedly assumed her mother’s identity and continued collecting benefits after her death. Eva Bratcher was indicted on August 24, according to court records […]
Trump’s DOJ Just Dropped A 17-Defendant Social Security Fraud Takedown – 100PercentFedUp.com – by Donald
The Justice Department charged 17 defendants in a $1.34 million Social Security fraud surge, including a woman accused of hiding her deceased mother in a freezer.
Portage Park woman charged with stealing dead mother's Social Security benefits
Eva Bratcher, 72, faces theft and fraud charges for misusing Social Security benefits totaling $21,402 after she pleaded guilty to concealing her mother’s death after the body was found in a freezer.
Chicago Woman Accused of Social Security Fraud After Hiding Mother’s Body in Freezer for 2 Years
The U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday announced the charges against Eva Bratcher, 72, who was indicted late last month on counts including theft of government property and fraud, misrepresentation or misuse of Social Security benefits.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
