Edgemont Man Indicted for Fraudulently Receiving Unemployment Benefits

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Edgemont man was indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments when he knew he was not entitled to them.

Terry M. Beard, age 46, was indicted on July 24, 2012, for Theft of Government Property, False Statement, and False Claim. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 13, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Beard is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Venhuizen is prosecuting the case. Beard was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.