Shawna Faith Rene Stokes, a 35-year-old Omaha woman, has been taken to task for her brazen scheme to swindle the system out of thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits meant for her minor children. Stokes was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day imprisonment, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.
According to the charges, Stokes received approximately $38,989.00 in Social Security Administration and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits between March 2010 and May 2012. However, instead of using the funds for the care and support of her children, Stokes diverted the money for her own personal and unauthorized purposes.
United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Bataillon handed down the sentence on June 19, 2014, after Stokes’ conviction for Social Security Fraud and Theft of U.S. Government Money and Property. Stokes was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $38,989.00.
The Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General led the investigation into Stokes’ scheme, unraveling a web of deceit and corruption that spanned several years.
Stokes’ actions are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fraud and theft, not just for the victims, but also for the perpetrators who ultimately face the full weight of the law.
As the people of Omaha and beyond demand accountability and transparency, cases like Stokes’ serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to prevent and prosecute financial crimes.
The sentence handed down by Judge Bataillon sends a clear message: those who would seek to exploit the system for their own gain will be held to account.
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Related Federal Cases
- Susan Hacker Sentenced in Social Security Fraud Scheme · Nebraska
- Anastacio Cruz-Santiago Convicted in Social Security Fraud Scam · Nebraska
- Omaha Woman Pleads Guilty in $11.5K Tax Refund Fraud Scheme · Nebraska
- Omaha Man Kayne Farquharson Sentenced for Fake Passport Fraud · Nebraska
- Mexican Woman Sentenced for Fraudulent Social Security Card Use · Iowa
Key Facts
- State: Nebraska
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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