Vanessa Scott-Washington, 45, of Leesburg, Georgia, has been handed down a six-month prison sentence for stealing her grandmother’s retirement benefits through fraudulent means. United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced the sentencing on December 17, 2014.
The judge presiding over the case was Senior U.S. District Court Judge W. Louis Sands in Albany, Georgia. Scott-Washington pleaded guilty to making false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) on August 13, 2014.
Scott-Washington admitted that she signed a substitution of payee form with the RRB on her grandmother’s retirement benefits in June 2009, agreeing to use the annuity for her grandmother’s benefit. However, upon learning of her grandmother’s death in May 2010, Scott-Washington deceived the RRB into believing her grandmother was still alive, thereby continuing to receive the benefits.
Despite the Social Security Administration notifying the RRB of her grandmother’s death, Scott-Washington continued her deceitful activities. She made several calls and sent an email claiming her grandmother was still living. Additionally, she caused a fraudulent letter on Bank of America letterhead to be sent to the RRB, falsely stating that her grandmother had been seen in the bank with two forms of identification.
Scott-Washington’s fraudulent actions resulted in $13,679 being paid to her between June 1, 2010, and February 1, 2011. U.S. Attorney Moore emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, “When you try to profit by committing fraud, you should keep looking over your shoulder because you are going to get caught.”
The investigation was conducted by agents with the Railroad Retirement Board, with Assistant United States Attorney Jim Crane prosecuting the case for the Government. For further inquiries regarding this case, contact Public Information Officer Pamela Lightsey at (478) 621-2603.
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Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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