Nine Defendants Charged With Social Security Fraud

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Indictments charging eight defendants from the Syracuse area and one defendant from St. Lawrence County were unsealed today in federal court. The indictments charge each defendant with fraud against the Social Security Administration, announced United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian and Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, NY Field Division Special Agent-in-Charge Edward J. Ryan. Seven of the defendants were arrested today and appeared before the Hon. David E. Peebles, United States Magistrate Judge. St. Lawrence County resident Pauline House will make her court appearance pursuant to a summons on June 15, 2016. Defendant Janysha Richardson’s court date is not yet scheduled. Each of the nine defendants, identified below, is charged with one count of fraud on the Social Security Administration, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(3).

The indictments allege each defendant caused the Social Security Administration to record self-employment income that they had not actually earned. Such false claims of employment affect current and future payments made by the Social Security Administration.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, court ordered restitution, and up to 3 years supervised release on the charges.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. United States Attorney Carl Eurenius.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.