Canton woman charged with theft of government funds

A Canton woman was charged today with theft of government funds, said Justin E. Herdman, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

For over 12 years, Michelle L. Cyrus, 41, falsely reported to the Social Security Administration that her husband did not live with her in the family home.  As a result, she received more Social Security benefits that she was entitled to receive.    

Special Agent Kelly Clark from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation.  Special Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the Court will determine the defendant’s sentence after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.  In most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

An information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.