Elizabeth Ann Berger, Theft of Government Funds, Minnesota 2019

GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: A Worthington woman has been sentenced to prison for stealing thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits from vulnerable adults. Elizabeth Ann Berger, 58, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for her crimes.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Berger stole $49,651.78 in Social Security benefits administered by Prairie Payee Services, Inc. and fees collected from the Social Security Administration. The theft took place between March 2013 and September 2014, while Berger was acting as the President and CEO of Prairie Payee Services, Inc.

As the President and CEO of Prairie Payee Services, Inc., Berger was responsible for managing the Social Security benefits of vulnerable adults. Instead of using the funds for their benefit, Berger stole thousands of dollars, leaving the victims without the financial support they needed.

The case was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration-Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Middlecamp prosecuted the case.

Berger pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on April 1, 2019. She was sentenced yesterday by Chief Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

In addition to her prison sentence, Berger was also ordered to pay $49,651.78 in restitution. She will also serve two years of supervised release after her prison term.

Defendant information:

Elizabeth Ann Berger, 58

Worthington, Minn.

Convicted:

Theft of government funds, 1 count

Sentenced:

One year and one day in prison

Two years of supervised release

$49,651.78 in restitution

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/worthington-woman-sentenced-prison-stealing-social-security-benefits-vulnerable-adults