Lake Mary Man Sentenced For Stealing Supplemental Security Income Benefits

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Goebels Cyriaque (52, Lake Mary) to 10 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for theft of government property. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $98,796.20, the proceeds of the crime, and ordered Cyriaque to pay restitution.

Cyriaque had pleaded guilty on August 14, 2018.

According to court documents, Cyriaque’s cousin, J.E., was a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiary. J.E. passed away between March and April 1998 in Haiti. J.E.’s death was never reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Consequently, the SSA continued to make benefit payments to the deceased individual.

Cyriaque was a joint account holder on the account into which J.E.’s SSI benefits were deposited. From March 1998 through November 2017, Cyriaque accessed the funds and used them for personal expenses. In total, he stole or converted $98,796.20 in SSI benefits to which he was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.