Former Social Services Worker Pleads Guilty to Lying to the FBI
A shocking case of dishonesty has emerged in Buffalo, New York, as Rhonda Henderson, a 48-year-old former social services worker, pleaded guilty to making false statements to Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The charge of making false statements to the FBI carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, Henderson made materially false statements during an FBI interview on June 19, 2014. She claimed that the title to a 1999 Honda two-door sedan had been mailed to her address, when in fact, the vehicle belonged to Victim A, a disabled individual she met through her employment at a local social services agency.
Henderson allegedly took the title from Victim A without her authorization and forged Victim A’s name on a DMV form. She also lied about her supervisor’s knowledge of the dealings related to the vehicle transaction.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Division of Field Investigation, under the direction of Owen McShane, Director of Investigations.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
The case highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in positions of trust, particularly in the social services sector. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what other revelations will emerge.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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