Leslie McCrae Dowless, Theft of Government Property and Social Security Fraud, North Carolina 2021

Thief of Government Property and Social Security Fraud Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison

Greenville, N.C. – In a shocking case of corruption, Leslie McCrae Dowless, 65, was sentenced to 6 months in prison for the theft of government property and social security fraud. He was also ordered to pay $8,599.10 in restitution.

According to court documents, Dowless defrauded the Social Security Administration by concealing his work and income while receiving monthly benefits payments. He applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in February 2013, claiming he was unable to work due to a disability. Dowless received SSI benefits until July 2018, when he applied for Retirement Insurance Benefits (RIB). In his application for RIB, Dowless stated that he did not expect to work in 2018 and had not worked in the two years preceding his application.

However, unbeknownst to the Social Security Administration, Dowless worked as a consultant for at least two political campaigns during the 2018 Midterm Elections. From March 2017 to November 2018, Dowless received at least 59 checks totaling $135,365.57 for consulting work. Dowless failed to report his work and income to the Social Security Administration.

G. Norman Acker, III, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan prosecuted the case.

Leslie McCrae Dowless will serve his 6-month prison sentence while also paying $8,599.10 in restitution for his crimes.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in government. The Social Security Administration relies on honest individuals to report their income and work activity to ensure that benefits are distributed fairly. When individuals like Dowless cheat the system, they not only harm themselves but also undermine the trust in government and the integrity of the social security program.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:20-CR-53-B0.

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