News Summary
Cynthia Delores Holland, a 61-year-old ex-elections official in Aiken, has been found guilty of misappropriating over $168,000 in Social Security benefits meant for her deceased mother. Since 2013, Holland collected funds that were mistakenly deposited and diverted them for personal use. Her fraudulent activities were uncovered through the SSA’s verification project. As a consequence, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Aiken, South Carolina – Cynthia Delores Holland, a 61-year-old former elections official, was found guilty of stealing over $168,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased mother. A federal jury delivered the verdict on Tuesday after a day and a half of trial, highlighting the significant breach of trust committed by Holland during her tenure as Director of Voter Registration and Elections in Aiken County.
From 2013 until December 2022, Holland collected retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that had been mistakenly deposited into a joint account used by her and her mother after her mother’s passing. Instead of informing the SSA about her mother’s death, Holland systematically transferred the funds into her personal account and utilized the money for her personal expenses. Over the nearly ten-year duration of this fraudulent scheme, she amassed a total of more than $168,000.
The fraudulent activities were uncovered through the SSA’s Death Match Project, initiated in 2021, which aimed to verify the status of beneficiaries against death records dating back to 2005. The investigation revealed that Holland’s mother was still listed as a beneficiary, prompting further inquiries into the accounts involved.
U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Bryan Stirling, emphasized that Holland’s actions showcased a significant deception and reiterated the commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded systems from fraudulent exploitation. Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General for the SSA, remarked that Holland’s actions were particularly alarming given her previous role as a public official, stressing the detrimental impact of her theft on a program designed to aid vulnerable individuals.
Holland faces severe penalties, with a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution for the funds misappropriated. She also risks three years of supervised release following her possible imprisonment. Holland was indicted in July 2024, shortly after retiring in May 2024, after a lengthy 25-year career in the elections office.
Before her role in the elections office, Holland had experience in banking, which may have contributed to her understanding of the financial systems involved in the fraud. The case has gained considerable attention due to the specific nature of the crime and Holland’s former authoritative position in the community.
The repercussions of Holland’s fraudulent actions extend beyond her personal consequences; her misconduct undermines public trust in election officials and the systems designed to support individuals in need. As authorities work to prevent similar cases in the future, it remains crucial for both beneficiaries and the public to remain vigilant in monitoring the integrity of federal assistance programs.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Cynthia Holland Fraud Case
- Wikipedia: Social Security Administration
- WSAZ: Former Election Official Convicted of Fraud
- Google Search: Fraud in Public Office
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
