Linda Crabtree Pleads Guilty to $44K Social Security Fraud

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Linda Crabtree, 54, of Huntington, admitted in federal court to stealing $44,237 in Social Security benefits through a years-long deception, pleading guilty to felony theft of government funds. The fraud spanned more than a decade, during which Crabtree lied about her living arrangements and income to inflate her monthly payouts.

Crabtree applied for Title XVI Social Security benefits in 2004, claiming she was married but not living with her spouse — a critical detail that would have reduced her payments. In reality, she had been living with her husband continuously since 2004. Their combined income disqualified her from receiving the full benefits she collected, yet she concealed the truth and pocketed $24,735 in excess payments from December 2004 through December 2017.

Even more brazen, Crabtree acted as representative payee for her daughter, a role entrusted to manage benefits on behalf of a dependent. She exploited this responsibility, collecting an additional $19,502 in unauthorized funds. The Department of Justice says she knowingly misused her position, enriching herself at the expense of a program meant for the vulnerable.

On November 6, 2017, federal investigators with the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General confronted Crabtree. She gave a detailed statement admitting she had lived with her spouse the entire time and acknowledged she was receiving money she knew she wasn’t entitled to. Her confession sealed the case.

Crabtree now faces up to five years in federal prison and must pay full restitution to the U.S. Treasury. Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2019, before United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case, underscoring the federal crackdown on benefit fraud.

“Theft of government program dollars will not be tolerated,” warned U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart. “Many West Virginians depend on these critical benefits. We all suffer when fraudsters like Crabtree take money to which they aren’t entitled.” The Social Security Administration-OIG’s investigation was pivotal in exposing the scheme.