Beloit Man Sentenced to 6 Months for Social Security Fraud

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gregory Whitt, 63, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to six months in prison for Social Security fraud.  Whitt pleaded guilty to this charge on October 17, 2018. 

Whitt began receiving Social Security benefits in June of 2011 after claiming an inability to work due to physical and mental health issues.  However, the investigation revealed that the defendant, while collecting Social Security payments, worked full-time as a dump truck driver in Beloit until 2017.  During this time, Whitt insisted that his employers pay him in cash so he could continue to receive Social Security payments.  As a result of his fraudulent conduct, Whitt received $118,602 in Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled. 

In imposing the six-month prison sentence, Judge Peterson noted that Whitt’s fraud lasted over six years and involved a significant amount of money.  Judge Peterson stated that Whitt knowingly cheated the system and was disappointed that Whitt made false statements to investigating agents when initially confronted with his crime. 

The charges against Whitt are the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.  The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Wegner.