Lead Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for $211,564.17 Social Security Scam

RAPID CITY – In a brazen scheme to swindle the U.S. government, a Lead, South Dakota husband and wife were sentenced to federal prison for their role in obtaining over $211,000 in Social Security benefits through false claims.

Tami Lee Stokes, 52, and her husband Jason Lee Stokes, 48, were convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and ordered to pay $211,564.17 in restitution. Tami Stokes was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Her husband, Jason Lee Stokes, received an 18-month sentence, also with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

The Stokes’ scheme involved Jason submitting an application for Social Security Title II Disability Insurance Benefits in December 2012, claiming he was unable to work due to illness. However, investigators uncovered evidence that Jason was actually healthy and continued to work as a self-employed construction contractor. He even hid his employability by putting his LLC in his wife’s name.

Between 2013 and 2023, the Stokes filed written reports and attended doctors’ appointments claiming Jason needed a wheelchair and was unable to work. In reality, they used this ruse to obtain $166,458.00 in Title II benefits for Jason’s falsified disability and $43,042.00 in Title II benefits on behalf of their minor child. This resulted in a total payout of approximately $209,500.00.

But the Stokes’ lavish lifestyle was not just a pipe dream. They used the stolen funds to purchase three snowmobiles, two vehicles, a trailer, and a motorcycle. They also obtained numerous hunting licenses, took month-long international vacations, and enjoyed various outdoor activities.

U.S. Circuit Judge Jonathan A. Kobes slammed Tami Stokes, stating that she “took full advantage of the fraud on the United States” and lived “the high life on the taxpayers’ dime.” Similarly, U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier told Jason Stokes that his conduct was “outright lies” and used “government money to purchase [various vehicles] and other items.”