Georgetown Indiana woman sentenced for stealing Social Security income

Defrauded Social Security of over $114,000

PRESS RELEASE

New Albany –United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that a Georgetown, Indiana, woman was sentenced in federal court for defrauding the government of Social Security Income funds. Michelle A. South, 40, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt after pleading guilty to Social Security Income fraud.

“SSI funds are designed to help the aged, blind and disabled, not able-bodied individuals,” said Minkler. “When funds are taken from those in most need, you can expect to face federal prosecution.”

From March 2001 through March 2016, South concealed the fact that she had been residing with her husband in their home in Georgetown, Indiana. She claimed on several federal government forms that she lived apart from her husband with three children and had no other sources of income. In reality, she lived with her husband who had income and would not have been eligible had she been truthful on her applications.

This investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General.

“This sentence sends a clear message that there is no tolerance for egregious crimes committed against tax payer funded programs like SSI,” said Tracey Thanos, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Kyle M. Sawa who prosecuted this case for the government, South must make restitution of $114,633 and serve three years of supervised release after her prison term.