A 74-year-old Kimball woman has been given probation for defrauding the Social Security Administration.

According to a news release form the office of United States Attorney for Nebraska, Deborah Gilg, Lois Powell pleaded guilty to theft of government property.

Prosecutors say, since 1998, Powell defrauded the Social Security Administration by receiving benefits belonging to a deceased friend.

They say Powell had been added as a signor on the friend’s account, and  when the friend passed away, Powell continued to receive checks totaling $177,675.  Powell used the money for her own personal use.

On Monday, the Honroable Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Powell to five years of probation, and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $177,675.

The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security.