A Houston federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Summer Worden, of Wichita, Kansas, on February 27, 2023. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo on April 13, 2023.
The indictment alleges Worden made false statements to the NASA – Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). According to the indictment, Worden maintained multiple bank accounts at USAA Federal Savings Bank. She allegedly shared access to her online accounts with a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army on detail to NASA’s Johnson Space Center who had access until at least January 31, 2019.
The indictment alleges Worden filed a complaint with the FTC, alleging the officer had improperly accessed her bank account. She claimed she had opened a new account in September 2018 and reset her login credentials in order to prevent the individual from accessing her accounts, according to the charges. However, the indictment alleges she actually opened the account in April 2018 and did not change her login credentials until January 2019.
The indictment charges Worden with making false statements on two occasions. She allegedly filed the false complaint March 19, 2019, with the FTC and later made a false statement in an interview with NASA-OIG July 22, 2019.
If convicted, Worden faces up to five years in prison on each count and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. NASA-OIG and FTC conducted the investigation. Deputy Chief Ted Imperato and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pearson are prosecuting the case.
Worden’s case is a stark reminder that an indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. She is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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