Mingo County Woman Sentenced for Theft of Social Security Income Benefits

 Defendant fraudulently obtained over $90,000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Mingo County woman was sentenced to six months of federal incarceration for fraudulently obtaining Social Security Income benefits, announced United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  Elizabeth Muncy, 43, of Kermit, Mingo County, West Virginia was further placed on supervised release for three years once she is released from custody.  She was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $91,683.  United States Attorney Mike Stuart praised the work of the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and the United States Social Security Administration. 

“Stealing social security benefits is despicable – truly despicable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.  “I have no sympathy whatsoever for anyone ripping off social security and hard-working taxpayers by fraudulently stealing public benefits.  It is truly a despicable, disgraceful act.”

Muncy applied for Title XVI Social Security benefits in 1987.  These Social Security benefits are based on income and living arrangements, and create a duty on the recipient to report a change in income or living arrangements.  In 2008, Muncy indicated that she was married, but claimed she was not residing with her spouse.  In fact, Muncy was residing with her spouse and had been married and living together since 2006. Their combined income would have lowered the amount of money she was receiving every month from the Social Security Administration.  From October 2006 through October 17, 2017, Muncy received $91,683 in Social Security benefits in excess of the amount she was due. On April 18, 2018, Muncy gave a detailed statement to federal investigators with the Office of Inspector General admitting that she was living with her spouse the entire time and knew that she was receiving money that she was not entitled to receive.

United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence.  Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes handled the prosecution.

 Follow us on Twitter: @SDWVNews and @USAttyStuart 

###