Muskogee Woman Admits Stealing Social Security Funds

MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – Laura Virginia Howard, 76, of Muskogee, has confessed to a brazen theft of public funds, admitting she illegally pocketed Social Security benefits she wasn’t entitled to. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced Howard entered a guilty plea to a one-count Felony Information of Theft of Public Monies on Wednesday.

The scheme stretched over a staggering 17 years, with Howard allegedly siphoning off funds between February 28, 2007, and June 26, 2024. Federal prosecutors claim she “willfully and knowingly embezzled, stole, and converted for her own use and the use of others, money and things of value exceeding $1,000.00” belonging to the Social Security Administration, specifically payments intended for a retirement claimant.

The Social Security Administration—Office of the Inspector General, dug into the case, uncovering the long-running fraud. While the exact amount stolen hasn’t been publicly disclosed beyond the $1,000 threshold for felony charges, investigators believe the total is substantial. The Grimy Times will continue to press for full transparency regarding the stolen funds.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson accepted Howard’s guilty plea and has ordered a presentence investigation report to be compiled. This report will delve into Howard’s background, financial situation, and other relevant factors to aid the U.S. District Court Judge in determining an appropriate sentence.

Howard now faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years, along with a hefty fine of $250,000.00. The final sentence will be handed down by a U.S. District Court Judge after careful consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory requirements. This case serves as a stark warning: stealing from federal programs will not be tolerated.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Satter, Kara Traster, and Jonathan Soverly prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and report on the sentencing when it is announced. This is yet another example of how even seemingly ‘small’ financial crimes add up to significant losses for taxpayers and erode public trust.