Calelah John Lattisaw, Wire Fraud, Maryland 1993

A New Carrollton man has pleaded guilty to stealing over $110,000 in social security benefits.

Calelah John Lattisaw, 58, of New Carrollton, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to wire fraud arising from a scheme to steal $110,107 in social security benefits.

According to his guilty plea, in February 1993, Lattisaw began receiving Supplemental Security Income through the Social Security Administration (SSA) for a disability. In order to receive benefits, Lattisaw was required to report to SSA information regarding his income, resources and living arrangements.

Lattisaw admitted that at the time of his application, he concealed from SSA that he was living with two other individuals, both of whom were also receiving SSA benefits. In addition, Lattisaw took steps to hide additional income and assets from SSA.

Had SSA been aware of Lattisaw’s income, resources, or living arrangements, he would not have qualified for SSI benefits. Between 2000 and 2015, Lattisaw received $110,107 in SSI benefits to which he was not entitled.

Lattisaw and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea agreement Lattisaw will be sentenced to three years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander has scheduled sentencing for August 24, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of the Treasury – Office of Inspector General for their work in the investigation and thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Perry and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamera L. Fine, who are prosecuting the case.

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