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Press Release

Avondale Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security Funds

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – United States Attorney Peter G. Strasser announced that JERRY CAMPBELL (“CAMPBELL”), age 60, of Avondale, Louisiana, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to documents filed in federal court, CAMPBELL’s sister was authorized to receive Social Security Administration (“SSA”) Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) disability benefits up until her death which occurred on November 8, 2013. An investigation by special agents with the SSA Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police revealed CAMPBELL was in possession of his late sister’s Chase Bank ATM card and began withdrawing money from her account after her death. CAMPBELL admitted to federal authorities on January 22, 2018, that he used his late sister’s ATM card to pay for his own personal expenses knowing he was not entitled to her Social Security benefits. CAMPBELL failed to notify the SSA of his sister’s death and took approximately $32,836.00 in SSI benefits from her account.

CAMPBELL faces a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment.  Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2019.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the Louisiana State Police.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit.

 

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Updated February 7, 2019

Topic
Financial Fraud