A brazen scheme to steal Social Security disability benefits has been brought to an end in federal court. Crystal Lehtola, 35, of West Yarmouth, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served on home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution of $53,682 for her role in the theft of public funds.
The case dates back to August 2017, when Lehtola was arrested and charged with one count of theft of public funds. In May 2018, she pleaded guilty to the charge. The investigation revealed that from February 2011 through August 2016, Lehtola received approximately $53,682 in benefits from the Social Security Administration intended for her disabled daughter.
Lehtola had lied to the Social Security Administration, claiming that her daughter lived with her and that she was her daughter’s guardian. However, in April 2009, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families removed Lehtola’s daughter from her care, and although Lehtola never regained custody, she repeatedly advised Social Security that her daughter lived with her and that she spent all of the benefits on her daughter’s care.
In reality, Lehtola spent the funds on her own expenses. This is a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and honesty when dealing with public funds.
U.S. Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Burzycki of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Lehtola’s case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit the system for their own gain. The public’s trust must be upheld, and those who break that trust will be held accountable.
Defendant: Crystal Lehtola
Criminal Charge: One count of theft of public funds
City and State: Boston, Massachusetts
Date: August 2017 (arrest), May 2018 (plea), and [sentencing date] (sentence)
Sentence: Three years of supervised release, with the first six months to be served on home confinement, and ordered to pay restitution of $53,682
Dollar Amount: $53,682 (restitution)
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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