A Wyckoff NJ man allegedly collected more than $72,000.00 in Veterans Affairs payments intended for his deceased mother.

According to police, 48-year-old Joseph Taradyna shared a bank account with his mother, Henrietta Taradyna. The prosecutor said that when Ms. Taradyna died in April 2009, her son failed to notify officials at the federal Veterans Affairs of her passing. For the next five (5) years, Mr. Taradyna allegedly collected wire transfers deposited into the bank account by the Veterans Affairs office.

When the alleged fraud was discovered, Mr. Taradyna was issued a summons for theft by deception. Prosecutors believe that he received more than $70,000.00 in illegal payments.

In New Jersey, theft by deception is covered by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4. The penalties for theft by deception vary, depending on the value of the property. In this case, Mr. Taradyna could be charged with third degree theft by deception. If Mr. Taradyna is convicted of third degree theft by deception, he may be sentenced to up to five (5) years in New Jersey State Prison.

For more information, read the NJ.com article entitled “Wyckoff Man Cashes In on $72K in Benefits Meant for Dead Mother, Prosecutors Allege.“