PARKERSBURG WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Bobette L. Grimm, 54, of Parkersburg, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston to theft of government money.  In June 1990, a known individual began receiving Social Security Administration Title II Retirement Survivors Insurance benefits (“Title II benefits”).  The Title II benefits were electronically deposited into the known individual’s bank account. The defendant had access to the account that contained the Title II benefits. 

Upon the death of the benefit recipient on December 26, 2008, Grimm continued to fraudulently withdraw and transfer Title II monies into another checking account for her own use.  From December 2008 through January 2011, the defendant unlawfully took approximately $19, 322 in Title II benefits.     

Grimm faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine when she is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2011. 

The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik Goes is in charge of the prosecution. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the U.S. Attorney's Initiative to Combat Theft of Government Benefits launched in June 2008.  The Initiative is designed to protect public funds and to prosecute those who steal benefits from public programs or agencies such as the Railroad Retirement Board, US Veterans Administration, Social Security Administration, and the Department of Labor.       

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