Raleigh Woman Sentenced to 15 Months for Social Security Fraud
Dec 12, 2024
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh woman was sentenced to 15 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration. On June 26, 2024, Mary Elizabeth Workman pled guilty to one count of theft of government funds.
“Stealing from the system is stealing from those who truly need it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr. “By fraudulently collecting over $200,000 in disability benefits while running a successful business, this case highlights the lengths some go to exploit taxpayer funded programs. We remain committed to exposing fraud and protecting resources for the deserving.”
“This 15-month prison sentence holds Mary Elizabeth Workman accountable for theft of government funds. While working in her own business, she continually received disability benefits she was not entitled to receive. My office will continue to aggressively pursue those who defraud the Social Security Administration,” said Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Acting Inspector General for Social Security. “I appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Labresh for prosecuting this case.”
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Workman, 51, received over $200,000 in Social Security benefits that she was not entitled to. From 2008 through 2023, Workman received monthly disability benefits based on her claim that she was unable to work due to several medical conditions. However, while Workman was collecting these benefits, she owned and operated a successful tax refund business. Workman never disclosed this business income to the Social Security Administration, and instead continued to collect monthly disability benefits knowing that she did not qualify financially.
Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-00195-BO-BM.
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