Juniata County Woman Pleads Guilty To Social Security And Housing Choice Voucher Program Fraud

HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Doris Santana, age 53, of Thompsontown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on October 11, 2024, to a three-count criminal information charging her with social security fraud and theft of public money related to her theft of social security and federal housing funds.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, between February 2008 and December 2021, Santana was a participant in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), which provided rental assistance to eligible recipients. Between May 2018 and September 2024, Santana also received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA). In April 2011, Santana married Individual 1. However, Santana concealed the marriage from the SSA and HUD. Santana’s marriage to, cohabitation with, and receipt of income from, Individual 1 rendered Santana ineligible to receive SSI and Housing Choice Voucher Program funds.

As alleged by the government, over the relevant time period, Santana’s conduct resulted in a total loss of $145,397.30 from the SSA and HUD. 

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General and Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case.

The total maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is up to 25 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.