Teresa Gayle Helms, Theft of Government Property, Virginia 2024

A Lynchburg woman has been sentenced to six months in prison for stealing over $104,800 from government programs, including Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare.

Teresa Gayle Helms, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money, admitting to concealing her work as the owner and manager of two Adult Erotica stores in the Lynchburg area while receiving government benefits.

Helms was sentenced yesterday in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Lynchburg, receiving six months of incarceration and six months of home confinement. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $78,696 to the Social Security Administration, $1,124 to Medicaid and $24,759 to Medicare.

Programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare are essential safety nets that protect the health and safety of many Americans, said United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy. When individuals like Helms steal from these programs, we will bring them to justice.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the Lynchburg Police Department, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant United States Attorney Charlene Day is prosecuting the case.

Helms’s actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and the trust placed in her to receive government assistance, said Heaphy. The sentence handed down yesterday sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

The total amount of money Helms stole from government programs is $104,800. Her sentence and restitution order are a significant step towards holding her accountable for her actions.

Related Federal Cases