A Berwick woman’s brazen attempt to rip off the Social Security Administration (SSA) has finally come to an end, as Suzanne Hercock, 46, pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud in Portland’s U.S. District Court.
According to court records, Hercock’s year-long scam began in December 2008 and continued until February 2020. During this time, she lied to the SSA about the presence of her husband, the father of her children, in the household to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments on behalf of her kids.
Hercock’s deceitful tactics involved falsely representing to the SSA that she and her husband lived separately. She failed to disclose her husband’s presence and income despite knowing that she was required to and that it would affect her eligibility to receive benefits. The SSA’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the case and brought Hercock to justice.
Hercock’s guilty plea comes with serious consequences. She faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, followed by up to three years of supervised release. The Court may also order Hercock to pay restitution to the SSA.
The case against Hercock serves as a stark reminder of the importance of honest reporting and the severe penalties for those who attempt to defraud the system. Hercock’s actions not only wasted valuable resources but also undermined the trust between the SSA and the public.
A federal district judge will determine Hercock’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The SSA has vowed to continue investigating and prosecuting individuals who attempt to exploit the system for personal gain.
Related Federal Cases
- Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion Lands Former Cumberland Man in Hot Water · Maine
- Bangs Bleeds Employer Dry: 7-Year Fraud Lands Her in Federal Prison · Maine
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- Haverhill Woman Gets 28 Months for ID Theft Scam · Massachusetts
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Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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