Tonya Butler, Railroad Retirement Fraud, Louisiana 2024

A Slidell woman has been convicted of scamming the Railroad Retirement Board out of thousands of dollars in benefits.

Tonya Butler, 55, pleaded guilty on April 22, 2024, to making false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board, in violation of Title 45, United States Code, Section 359(a).

According to court records, from January 2022 to April 2022, Butler made false statements to the Railroad Retirement Board for the purpose of obtaining sickness benefits. In truth, she was working full-time for an interstate trucking company.

The false statements caused a loss of approximately $7,345.52.

Sentencing will be held on July 22, 2024. At that time, Butler faces up to one year in prison for the false statements count. She also faces up to $100,000 in fines, and up to one year of supervised release after conviction.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans praised the work of Amtrak – Office of Inspector General and the Railroad Retirement Board - Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing and detecting fraud in the railroad retirement system. It also demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to holding individuals accountable for their actions.

As the investigation and prosecution of this case continue, it serves as a reminder that those who engage in fraudulent activities will be held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/slidell-woman-pleads-guilty-railroad-retirement-fraud