New York Woman Accused of Hiding Boyfriend’s Body in Recycling Bin for Months While Fraudulently Collecting Social Security Benefits

A 63-year-old New York woman, Wendy Stone, has been accused of hiding her deceased boyfriend's body in a recycling bin in the basement of their Rochester home for months while continuing to collect his Social Security benefits. Stone allegedly poured bleach on the remains periodically to mask the odor and used the funds for personal expenses, including restaurant meals, shopping sprees, and ATM withdrawals. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Monday that Stone has been charged with theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to obtain Social Security benefits. These charges could result in up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. According to federal court documents, the case began when Stone's boyfriend, Kenneth Crisman, requested a replacement debit card for his Social Security benefits just days before his death on December 28, 2022. After discovering Crisman’s body, Stone allegedly decided to keep his death a secret to continue receiving his benefits. She wrapped his body in plastic, placed it in a recycling bin, and hid it in the basement, authorities say. Court documents reveal that Stone activated Crisman’s debit card on January 6, 2023, and began using it for purchases the next day. Over the following months, she is accused of spending nearly $8,000 of Crisman’s benefits on items from Walmart, The Home Depot, and Staples, as well as making multiple ATM withdrawals. Surveillance footage captured Stone and her son shopping at a Walmart in Greece, New York, on August 10, 2023. She was also seen withdrawing cash from an ATM on June 6, 2023. Stone even opened a Rent-A-Center account using Crisman’s benefits in March 2023. In January 2024, during a Social Security Administration review, Stone allegedly lied about her living situation, claiming no one had moved in or out of her residence since December 2021, including births or deaths. This false statement, combined with her use of Crisman’s benefits, rendered her ineligible for her own Social Security benefits during that period. Neighbors expressed shock at the allegations, describing their neighborhood as generally peaceful. Stone is not currently facing any charges related to Crisman’s death. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com