PORTLAND, Maine: Deborah Moore, a Waldoboro woman, has pleaded guilty to Social Security fraud and Theft of Public Money in a federal court. According to court records, Moore concealed the presence of her husband in her household to maintain her eligibility to receive benefit payments from July 2005 through April 2019.
Moore, 68, was a recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are paid to people with limited income who are blind, disabled or elderly. However, her husband had sufficient income to render her ineligible for the benefits she received.
In multiple reviews of her eligibility for benefits, Moore falsely represented to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that she and her husband had separated in July 2005 and had lived separately since that time. At an interview with law enforcement agents, Moore admitted to concealing her living situation from SSA because she knew it would make her ineligible to receive SSI.
The investigation was conducted by SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. Moore faces up to five years in prison on the Social Security fraud charge, up to ten years in prison on the Theft of Public Money charge, a fine of up to $250,000 on both charges, and up to three years of supervised release.
Moore will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office. The exact date of sentencing was not specified in the press release.
Moore’s actions have resulted in significant financial losses for the SSA. The exact amount of the losses was not specified in the press release.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency when applying for government benefits. Those who commit fraud and theft will be held accountable for their actions.
Moore’s guilty plea and impending sentencing bring an end to this case, but it is a stark reminder of the consequences of committing Social Security fraud and theft of public money.
Related Federal Cases
- Christie Mitchell, Social Security Fraud, Maine 2024 · Pennsylvania
- Daniel Fitzsimmons, Social Security Disability Insurance Fraud, ME · Texas
- Luis Medina, Social Security Document Fraud, ME 2023 · New Hampshire
- Kelly L. McCabe, Social Security Benefits Fraud, ME 2023 · Massachusetts
- Letitia James Warns of Social Security Scams, New York, 2023 · Alabama
Key Facts
- State: Maine
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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