Holli Lundahl, Theft and Welfare Fraud, South Dakota 2021

Rapid City Woman Found Guilty of Theft and Welfare Fraud

Holli Telford, a/k/a Holli Lundahl, 64, of Rapid City, South Dakota, has been found guilty of Theft of Government Property and Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud following a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The verdict was returned on March 25, 2021. This marked the end of a lengthy investigation and trial, which began with the discovery of Lundahl's alleged wrongdoing.

Lundahl, who remains at large on bond pending sentencing, knowingly stole and converted to her own use over $40,000 worth of Social Security Administration Title XVI Social Security Supplemental Income payments between 2014 and 2019.

The evidence presented at trial established that Lundahl received and kept the payments, even though she was not entitled to them, because she owned property and had resources far in excess of the limits permissible for Title XVI beneficiaries.

In order to continue to receive the benefits, Lundahl falsely reported, concealed, and failed to disclose to the Social Security Administration extensive property, resources, and assets she held or possessed.

Theft of Government Property carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Each charge also carries a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution may be ordered.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has not been set. The Office of the Inspector General – Social Security Administration investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted and tried the case.

Mandatory facts: Defendant's real full name is Holli Telford, a/k/a Holli Lundahl; the exact criminal charges are Theft of Government Property and Supplemental Security Income Benefits Fraud; the city and state are Rapid City, South Dakota; the exact date is March 25, 2021; the sentence or outcome is pending sentencing; and the dollar amounts involved are over $40,000 and $250,000.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/rapid-city-woman-found-guilty-theft-government-property-and-fraud