BEDFORD – Local authorities have charged Aaron Brewington Granda, 59, with theft, a Level 5 felony, in connection with an alleged scheme to collect his deceased mother’s pension benefits for over five years. The charges come after a months-long investigation by the Bedford Police Department and the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS).
He was released from jail after posting a $2000 cash bond.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Detective Sergeant Trevor Shelhart, Granda is accused of failing to report his mother’s death in May 2018 and continuing to collect her monthly survivor benefit of $920.55 until September 2023. The total amount allegedly obtained through this scheme is $58,915.20.
“This case represents a significant breach of trust and a substantial financial loss to the retirement system,” said Tim Allen, a fraud investigator for IPERS who initially flagged the suspicious activity.
The investigation revealed that the pension payments were deposited into a Chase bank account belonging to Granda’s mother, Mary Helen Granda. Bank records show that after Mary’s death, the account remained active with numerous transactions, including mortgage payments for the property where both Granda and his mother had resided.
Authorities allege that Granda forged checks in his mother’s name and made ATM deposits to supplement the pension payments, allowing him to continue paying the mortgage on the family home. The mortgage was reportedly paid off in March 2023, after which the account was used for utility payments and credit card bills.
When approached by investigators, Granda reportedly provided evasive answers and declined to make a statement without speaking to his attorney, Scott Callahan.
The Bedford Police Department urges anyone with information about this case to come forward.
Meanwhile, IPERS has stated that it has recouped $5,809.49 through a bank reclamation process but still faces a net loss of over $53,000.
This case reminds us of the importance of promptly reporting deaths to pension providers and the serious consequences of failing to do so. If convicted, Granda could face significant fines and imprisonment.
Residents expressed shock at the allegations. “It’s hard to believe something like this could happen in our community,” said neighbor Jane Doe. “It’s a sad situation all around.”
The case is set to proceed through the Lawrence County court system, with a preliminary hearing date on September 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Lawrence Superior Court 1.
