Zenda Marie Bryan, Theft of Public Money, Mississippi 2023

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Thief of Public Money Caught: Picayune Woman Pleads Guilty

A brazen scheme to defraud the government has been exposed, as 69-year-old Zenda Marie Bryan has pleaded guilty to collecting benefits under two Social Security numbers.

According to court records, Bryan admitted to receiving Disability Insurance Benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits using one Social Security number while simultaneously using another Social Security number to obtain and maintain employment.

This conduct occurred in the Western District of Oklahoma, where she was charged in a federal indictment. The charges have since been transferred to the Southern District of Mississippi, where Bryan is now living.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Gaines Cleveland of the Southern District of Mississippi and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Joynes of the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.

Bryan will be sentenced on July 17, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Ms. Zenda Bryan misused SSA programs and numbers for her own gain; her actions not only defrauded the Disability Insurance Benefit program but also the Supplemental Security Income program, a critical safety net for those in need,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Albers.

“This plea will hold her accountable for the fraud she committed against SSA and taxpayers,” Albers added.

U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca praised the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Southern District of Mississippi and the Western District of Oklahoma for their efforts in prosecuting the case.