Defendant Nicole Gary, 36, faces up to 20 years in federal prison and $250,000 fine for defrauding charity of more than $65,000.
HOUSTON, TX – In a shocking case of greed, Simone Nicole Gary, a 36-year-old Houstonian, has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and Social Security fraud. Gary’s scheme involved submitting fraudulent applications to the American Kidney Fund (AKF) on behalf of patients undergoing dialysis at Fresenius Medical Clinic (FMC) in Houston.
According to court documents, Gary used the name and Social Security number of another person to obtain employment at FMC as a financial coordinator in July 2010. As part of her duties, she assisted clients with their financial needs and verified insurance information.
FMC provides kidney dialysis to patients with kidney failure and is a longtime client of AKF, which awards financial grants to dialysis patients to obtain health care insurance. AKF has an online process that allows a dialysis clinic to submit a grant application on behalf of a patient.
While employed at FMC, Gary submitted fraudulent applications to AKF for grants to patients undergoing dialysis. As a result, AKF mailed grant checks payable to these patients to the attention of Gary at FMC in Houston. Gary took these checks, forged patient signatures, and then deposited them into her own bank account.
As a result of the scheme, AKF suffered a loss of $65,768.78. U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes accepted Gary’s guilty plea and set sentencing for November 10, 2014. At that time, Gary faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud and up to five years for the Social Security fraud. Both convictions also carry as possible punishment a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Secret Service and Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting. Gary was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The court’s decision highlights the importance of accountability in cases of financial crimes. As the investigation revealed, Gary’s actions not only caused significant financial losses but also compromised the trust of the charity organization and its clients.
Gary’s sentencing is set for November 10, 2014. The Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this case as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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