Worthington Woman Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Social Security Benefits From Vulnerable Adults

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced the sentencing of ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58, to one year and one day in prison for stealing thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits from vulnerable adults. BERGER, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on April 1, 2019, was sentenced yesterday by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, from March 2013 through April 2015, BERGER was acting as the President and CEO of Prairie Payee Services, Inc., an organizational representative payee for vulnerable adults who were Social Security beneficiaries. Between March 2013 and September 2014, BERGER stole $49,651.78 in Social Security benefits administered by Prairie Payee Services, Inc. and fees collected from the Social Security Administration.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.

Defendant Information:

ELIZABETH ANN BERGER, 58

Worthington, Minn.

Convicted:

• Theft of government funds, 1 count

Sentenced:

• One year and one day in prison
• Two years of supervised release
• $49,651.78 in restitution

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600