Aiken, South Carolina, October 3, 2025
News Summary
Cynthia Delores Holland, a former director of voter registration and elections in Aiken County, has been convicted for fraudulently collecting over $168,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased mother. The case reveals the exploitation of government resources and raises concerns over accountability among public officials. This significant legal action follows an investigation dating back to the launch of the ‘Death Match Project’ aimed at preventing fraud in federal benefits systems. Holland faces potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Aiken, South Carolina – Cynthia Delores Holland, a 61-year-old former director of voter registration and elections in Aiken County, was convicted of fraudulently obtaining more than $168,000 in Social Security benefits meant for her deceased mother, Ruth Smith Holland. The conviction marks a significant legal action against an individual in a position of public trust, raising concerns about the exploitation of government resources.
The case stemmed from allegations that Holland continued to collect her mother’s Social Security checks after her mother passed away in 2013 at the age of 70. Federal prosecutors indicated that Holland took advantage of a joint bank account they shared, where the Social Security payments were mistakenly deposited. Over nearly a decade, Holland transferred these funds from the joint account to her personal account, using the money for personal expenses. This fraudulent scheme continued until December 2022 when the Social Security Administration (SSA) discovered the error and terminated the benefits.
Holland’s illegal activities were investigated as part of the “Death Match Project,” a joint initiative launched in 2021 designed to compare death verification records with SSA payment lists. Following the investigation, she was indicted on charges of theft of public money in July 2024, just two months after retiring from her position in May 2024. The trial, overseen by U.S. District Judge Joe Anderson, lasted for two days, culminating in a jury finding Holland guilty.
Potential Penalties
Cynthia Holland now faces significant legal repercussions. She may receive a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Furthermore, her attorneys have announced plans to appeal the conviction, specifically contesting the judge’s decision to exclude evidence of Holland’s repayment of $100,000 to the SSA from being presented during the trial.
Government Responses
The United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Bryan Stirling, highlighted the commitment of federal authorities to protect taxpayer-funded systems from fraud and abuse. Concerns were also expressed by the Acting Inspector General for the SSA, Michelle L. Anderson, regarding Holland’s actions, emphasizing the serious nature of exploiting a deceased family member’s benefits for personal gain.
Background Context
Social Security benefits are a vital lifeline for many individuals and families across the country, and the integrity of this system is paramount. Fraudulent activities, such as those committed by Holland, undermine the trust placed in public officials and the systems that provide critical financial assistance to citizens. The significant amount of funds obtained through her deceitful practices raises alarms about oversight and accountability within the Social Security Administration and related agencies.
The legal proceedings in this case highlight broader issues regarding fraud prevention and detection in public benefit programs. The “Death Match Project” initiative aims to reduce such fraudulent activities and protect the assets intended for those in legitimate need.
Conclusion
The conviction of Cynthia Holland serves as a reminder of the legal consequences individuals may face when exploiting governmental systems. As the case moves forward through the appeals process, it emphasizes the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to maintain the integrity of Social Security and protect the resources allocated to those who depend on it.
FAQ
What was Cynthia Holland convicted of?
Cynthia Delores Holland, 61, was convicted of fraudulently obtaining her deceased mother’s Social Security benefits.
How much money did Holland obtain fraudulently?
Holland fraudulently obtained over $168,000 in Social Security benefits.
When did Holland’s mother pass away?
Holland’s mother, Ruth Smith Holland, passed away in 2013 at the age of 70.
How long did Holland continue to collect the benefits?
Holland continued to collect her mother’s Social Security checks for nearly a decade.
What happened when the fraud was discovered?
The SSA terminated the benefits after the error was discovered in December 2022.
What are the potential penalties Holland faces?
Holland faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, along with a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision post-incarceration.
What is the “Death Match Project”?
The “Death Match Project” is a joint initiative that compares death verification records with SSA payment lists to identify fraudulent benefit claims.
Are there plans to appeal Holland’s conviction?
Yes, Holland’s attorneys plan to appeal the conviction, focusing on the exclusion of evidence regarding her repayment of $100,000 to the SSA.
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Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Convicted Individual | Cynthia Delores Holland |
| Age | 61 |
| Position | Former Director of Voter Registration and Elections, Aiken County |
| Fraudulent Amount | Over $168,000 |
| Duration of Fraud | Nearly a decade |
| Mother’s Name | Ruth Smith Holland |
| Mother’s Age at Death | 70 |
| Investigation Start Date | 2021 |
| Charges Indicted | Theft of Public Money |
| Maximum Penalty | 10 years in federal prison |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Calls for Removal of Commerce Secretary Over Social Security Remarks
Additional Resources
- WLBT News
- Wikipedia: Social Security (United States)
- The State
- Google Search: Fraud in Social Security Benefits
- WISTV News
- Google Scholar: Social Security Fraud
- HIPAA Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Security Act
- Post and Courier
- Google News: Cynthia Delores Holland
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
