Bogalusa Church Pastor Jerry R. Newton Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security Funds
Slidell, Louisiana – In a shocking turn of events, Jerry R. Newton, a 54-year-old pastor from Slidell, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to a one-count Bill of Information charging Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the Bill of Information, Newton applied for Social Security disability benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. However, he failed to disclose that he was the paid pastor of Bogalusa Baptist Church since May of 2007 and that he owned two businesses, Still Dreaming Graphics, LLC and Kclean Sweep, a cleaning service.
Due to his concealing of his salary and income produced from his businesses, Newton received a total of $95,316 in DIB benefits to which he was not entitled. This staggering sum is a clear indication of the severity of Newton’s crimes and the need for justice to be served.
As a result of his guilty plea, Newton faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment, as well as restitution to the Social Security Administration.
A sentencing hearing is set for October 25, 2018, before United States District Court Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, in uncovering Newton’s deceitful scheme.
The people of Slidell, Louisiana, and the nation as a whole, are calling for justice to be served in this case. With Newton’s guilty plea, we are one step closer to bringing him to justice and ensuring that he is held accountable for his crimes.
Defendant Information:
Defendant Name: Jerry R. Newton
Criminal Charges: Theft of Government Funds (Title 18, United States Code, Section 641)
City and State: Slidell, Louisiana
Date: 2018
Sentence or Outcome: Plea of guilty, awaiting sentencing
Dollar Amounts: $95,316 in DIB benefits received by Newton
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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