Former McLennan County Justice Of The Peace Pleads Guilty To Federal Theft Charge

In Waco today, former McLennan County Justice of the Peace Erma Jean Laster Boone pleaded guilty to theft of Government property in connection with a scheme to steal Social Security Income benefits announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman.

According to court records, Robert Martin Davis died on May 27, 2010, and the defendant was the reporting party on Davis’ death certificate.  From Davis’ death until October 2013, the Social Security Administration continued to deposit Social Security benefits, which totaled approximately $63,000, into Davis’ bank account.  The defendant had access to Davis’ bank account.  Boone admitted to authorities that she spent over $16,000 from Davis’ account on “fixing stuff up around the house.”  In March 2014, Boone paid back to the Social Security Administration the money she had fraudulently embezzled and used.

Boone remains on bond pending sentencing which is scheduled for 1:00pm on November 19, 2014.  She faces up to ten years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

This investigation was conducted by the United States Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Greg Gloff is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.