Related Federal Cases
Nicholasville Woman Found Guilty of Social Security Fraud
LEXINGTON, KY. – A federal jury has found Sheryl Bruner, 51, of Nicholasville, guilty of defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA), for approximately a decade, and fraudulently filing for bankruptcy, among other charges.
The evidence at trial established that, from 2003 until 2013, Bruner fraudulently claimed that she was disabled and had no funds or source of income, in order to qualify for financial assistance from the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Brunner failed to disclose, and concealed from the SSA, that she owned multiple companies, which collectively earned millions of dollars during the time she was receiving financial assistance. Bruner worked primarily as a Medicaid service provider.
The evidence also established that, on May 16, 2013, Bruner filed for bankruptcy, despite the fact that she had more than a million dollars in assets. Bruner had tried to hide the amount of cash she had on hand, the bank and trust accounts she maintained or controlled, and vehicles and real estate she owned.
Brunner is scheduled to appear for sentencing in June 2014. The money laundering offenses carry a maximum of 20 years in prison, the theft of government property offense carries a maximum of 10 years, and the other offenses each carry a maximum penalty of five years.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor prosecuted the case on behalf of the federal government.
Brunner is set to face a significant sentence for her crimes, with the maximum penalty for the money laundering offenses being 20 years in prison. The exact sentence will be determined by the court after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and federal statutes governing the imposition of sentences.
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
