Lancaster Man Charged With Theft of Government Funds

Elsie Reyes, a/k/a “Elsie Yera”, 59, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was charged today by Information with one count of theft of government funds, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Information[1], the defendant concealed her July 1994 marriage from the Social Security Administration in order to receive more Supplemental Security Income benefits than what she was entitled to. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $136,246.70.

If convicted, the defendant faces a period of incarceration, a 3‑year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $136,246.70, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

[1] An Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.