News Summary

Cynthia Delores Holland, a former director of voter registration and elections in Aiken County, was found guilty of fraud by a federal jury for illegally obtaining over $168,000 in Social Security benefits after her mother’s death. The indictment, stemming from a long-term deception, highlights the significant breach of trust by someone in public office. Holland faces a potential 10-year prison sentence and further penalties, which are pending sentencing decisions by the court. This case raises broader concerns about fraud and accountability within the Social Security system.

Aiken, South Carolina – Cynthia Delores Holland, a former director of voter registration and elections in Aiken County, was found guilty by a federal jury for fraudulently obtaining over $168,000 in Social Security benefits that belonged to her deceased mother. The jury reached their verdict following a trial that lasted a day and a half, concluding that Holland engaged in extensive deception over nearly a decade.

After her mother passed away in 2013, Holland continued to receive retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that were mistakenly deposited into a joint account the two had shared. Rather than reporting the payments’ continuation after her mother’s death, Holland moved the funds to her own personal account, using the money for personal expenses for years.

This fraudulent scheme came to light in December 2022, when the SSA identified discrepancies during an investigation as part of its Death Match Project, which matches death records against beneficiary lists. The investigation found that Holland’s mother’s name still appeared on the SSA beneficiary list, prompting further scrutiny into Holland’s financial activities.

U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling stated that Holland’s actions reflect a significant breach of trust, engaging in what he termed “a decade of deception.” The case received additional attention due to Holland’s previous role as a public official, leading Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General for the SSA, to express concerns about the implications of such a fraud perpetrated by someone in her position.

As a result of her conviction, Holland faces serious penalties, including a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, a possible fine of up to $250,000, restitution for the amount obtained fraudulently, and three years of supervised release following her prison term. The actual sentencing will be determined by Senior U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr., who will consider a report from the U.S. Probation Office prior to making a decision.

Prior to her legal troubles, Holland had a long career in public service, retiring in May 2024 after 25 years of service within the Aiken County registration and elections office. She had served as the director since 2011, overseeing the electoral process in the county. However, her retirement quickly turned from a commendable career highlight to a cautionary tale of betrayal of public trust.

Holland was indicted in July 2024, following a thorough investigation into her fraudulent activities by the SSA, culminating in the jury’s guilty verdict in 2024. The case underscores the ongoing challenges related to fraud within the Social Security system and highlights the importance of proper oversight and accountability, particularly for those in positions of governmental authority.

The implications of this case extend beyond a single individual. It raises important questions regarding the responsibilities of public officials and the systems in place to detect and prevent fraud. As the legal process continues, communities are reminded of the critical nature of ethical behavior in public service roles and the significant consequences of violations of public trust.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Former Aiken Elections Official Convicted of Social Security Fraud
Former Aiken County Elections Director Convicted of Fraud

Additional Resources

• WFXG News
• Wikipedia: Social Security
• Post and Courier
• Google Search: Social Security fraud
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Security
• Google News: Aiken woman found guilty of Social Security fraud

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.