Elderly Georgia Couple Arrested for $1 Million Pension Fraud Scheme

An elderly couple from Snellville, Georgia, has been arrested. The couple allegedly embezzled over $1 million from a deceased relative’s pension fund, according to authorities.

Mary Ann Arceneaux, 87, and Ernest Arceneaux, 89, are facing charges of identity theft fraud and theft by deception. According to arrest warrants issued on December 10, 2024, the fraudulent scheme reportedly began in June 2010. After the death of Mary Ann Arceneaux’s mother, a retired California teacher.

Instead of Mary reporting her mother’s passing, authorities alleged that the couple continued collecting pension payments from the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS).

To maintain the deception, investigators claim that starting in May 2018, Mary Ann submitted forged “proof-of-life” documents annually, falsifying her late mother’s signature. These actions allegedly allowed the Arceneauxs to illicitly collect an amount of $1,116,862.69 over the years.

The alleged fraud came to light during a routine verification process conducted by CalSTRS. Officials discovered a death certificate confirming the mother’s passing in June 2010, contradicting ongoing pension disbursements.

A deeper investigation uncovered that the Arceneauxs controlled the bank accounts receiving the payments, ultimately leading to their arrest.

Following their arrest, both, posted bail and are currently awaiting trial.