Connie Forrest, 56, of Pittsford, Vermont, pleaded guilty to a charge of Social Security fraud, according to the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont.
Forrest, who has been released on conditions pending sentencing, faces up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
On June 12, 2017, the United States Attorney filed a criminal information against Forrest, who pleaded guilty to the charge today in United States District Court in Burlington.
According to the information and court records, Forrest began receiving monthly Supplemental Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration in about 1994, after becoming disabled.
The SSI program provides stipends to low-income individuals who are 65-years-old or older; are blind; or are disabled.
Applicants for SSI have to certify that their income and assets are below threshold levels, and are under a continuous duty to inform the Social Security Administration of changes in their financial circumstances that could affect their eligibility for continued SSI benefits.
However, between about 2009 and early 2016, Forrest concealed from SSA the fact that she maintained employment as a nurse aide, and earned substantial income, which the Government asserted was more than $470,000, from that employment.
As a result of Forrest’s deception, SSA paid her more than $79,000 in SSI benefits that she was not entitled to receive.
Forrest is represented by Peter Langrock, and the prosecutor is Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Waples.
This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the SSA.
Forrest’s sentencing has been scheduled for October 20.
Related Federal Cases
- Ruth Chandler, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, Massachusetts 2017 · New Hampshire
- Derrell Lee, Identity Theft and Bank Fraud, Vermont 2015 · Washington
- Misti Baker, Medicaid Program Fraud, Vermont 2012 · Indiana
- Ariel Quiros, Wire Fraud, Vermont 2011 · Florida
- Jody Lathrop, Mail & Tax Fraud, Vermont 2024 · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Vermont
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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