Texan Gets 10 Years, Stole Dead Father's Benefits

A Texan has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for stealing Social Security benefits meant for her father whose body was found in a storage unit in Kentucky.

Judith Maria Broughton of Terlingua must repay $245,000 in benefits stolen since her father's 1990 death.

Prosecutors said the daughter leased a unit in Lexington, Kentucky, to conceal the death of Luther Broughton. His mummified remains were located in January.

Broughton pleaded guilty in July to willfully and knowingly stealing Social Security benefits. Broughton, who was sentenced Friday in Pecos, shared an account with her father. The benefits were deposited electronically.

Authorities are trying to locate her mother, Mary Elizabeth Broughton, whose benefits were also deposited into an account with her daughter. Prosecutors on Monday said those benefits are suspended.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us