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Clearwater Man Cashes in on Dead Mom’s Benefits
A 68-year-old Clearwater man has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $30,000 in government benefits meant for his deceased mother, a veteran.
Elliott Kahana faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison after admitting to the theft of government funds, which he received after his mother, Anne Kahana, passed away in 2009.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Kahana accepted the monthly benefit payments of $1,400 for over a year without notifying the government that his mother had died. During this time, the total amount paid out was approximately $29,400.
The scheme was uncovered by the Veterans Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service, who investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Kaiser is prosecuting the case.
Kahana’s mother had been receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration at the time of her death, and it was only after the VA was notified that the payments ceased. However, Kahana continued to receive the payments until January 2011, when the VA discovered the discrepancy.
Kahana is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date, but for now, he faces the possibility of up to 10 years behind bars for his role in the government fund theft.
His case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government programs, particularly those that provide financial assistance to vulnerable populations such as veterans.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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