In a brazen scheme, Scotty Paul Fournerat, 50, of Eunice, Louisiana, has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in the theft of Social Security funds.
The SSA reported that M.V., a Title XVI Supplemental Security Income Disability (SSID) program participant and the aunt of Fournerat, failed to appear for a redetermination hearing in October 2017. The SSA subsequently suspended payments to M.V. due to her failure to cooperate with the redetermination. Through their investigation, the SSA learned that M.V. had died on January 2, 2012, some five years earlier, but they were not made aware of her death.
Fournerat admitted to using the debit cards to access the SSID funds for his own personal use by making purchases and ATM withdrawals at various locations in St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes. He admitted that he had not applied for the program funds and that he knew the funds were for the sole use of M.V. while she was alive, but yet he willingly and knowingly used the funds for his own personal benefit.
Fournerat pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government money on March 22, 2023.
On March 22, 2023, Fournerat was sentenced to two 37-month terms of imprisonment to run concurrently, followed by two 3-year terms of supervised release which will also run concurrently. In addition, Fournerat was ordered to pay restitution to the SSA in the amount of $49,792.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker prosecuted.
Eunice, Louisiana, resident Scotty Paul Fournerat has been brought to justice for his role in the theft of Social Security funds. Fournerat, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft of government money and was subsequently sentenced to federal prison.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in government programs.
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- Janet Smith, Mail Fraud, Louisiana, 2023 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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