Texas Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

A 63-year-old Longview, Texas woman has been sentenced for social security fraud charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Gaylynne Gale pleaded guilty on July 13, 2011, to theft of government property and was sentenced to 5 years probation and 2 months house arrest today by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap. Gale was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $152,518.30 to the Social Security Administration and the Texas Medicaid Program and ordered to the forfeiture of $47,530.00.

According to the indictment, from February 2004 until June 2010, Gale intentionally concealed her living arrangements with her ex-husband in order to receive more than $47,000 from the Social Security Administration in the form of Social Security Supplemental Security Income payments. Her misrepresentation also caused a significant loss to the Texas Medicaid Program. Gale was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 1, 2010.

The Social Security Administration's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is a federally administered cash assistance program designed to provide a floor of income for the aged, blind, or disabled who have little or no income or resources. The Texas Medicaid program helps pay for reasonable and necessary medical procedures and services provided to individuals who are deemed eligible under state low-income programs.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office in Tyler, Texas.

Source: http://www.cbs19.tv/story/16934873/longview-woman-sentenced-for-social-s...