Champlin Sentenced for Theft

A shocking case of deception has come to a close in Billings, Montana, as 62-year-old Orin Raymond Champlin III has been sentenced to three years of probation for stealing federal and private benefits that belonged to his deceased mother.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Champlin pleaded guilty in October 2022 to theft of government property, a charge that has left many in the community reeling. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case, which was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The government alleged that Champlin was on a joint bank account with his mother, who was receiving government and private benefits. However, when his mother passed away in June 2016, Champlin failed to report her death to the relevant entities. Instead, he continued to receive government benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Federal Employees Office of Personnel Management, as well as a private annuity payment from MetLife, for almost four years.

The total amount stolen by Champlin is staggering: $100,986. This money was used to fund his own personal expenses, including insurance for cars and daily expenses. The fact that Champlin was able to get away with this scheme for so long is a troubling indictment of the system’s ability to detect and prevent such fraud.

The investigation into Champlin’s activities was conducted by the Social Security Administration and the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General. Their tireless efforts ultimately led to Champlin’s downfall and brought a measure of justice to the case.

As part of his sentence, Champlin has been ordered to pay full restitution of $100,986. This will hopefully provide some measure of closure for those affected by his actions. However, the case also raises important questions about the vulnerability of our benefits systems to exploitation and the need for greater oversight and accountability.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. The sentencing of Orin Raymond Champlin III serves as a reminder that those who engage in fraudulent activities will be caught and brought to justice.