Three Columbia Residents Plead Guilty to Social Security Fraud

On Thursday, August 20th, three residents of the South Carolina state capitol pleaded guilty to charges of social security fraud.

The group was not a ring that conspired to defraud the government, but instead three individuals who neglected to inform the government of changes in their social security status.

Carolyn Taylor, 68, helped her mother collect Social Security Insurance benefits, a standard retirement benefit offered by the federal government. Her mother passed away in 1998, and Taylor continued to collect the SSI payments until 2013, when the federal government stopped the payments and realized that Taylor had collected benefits for 15 years. She pleaded guilty to $100,000 in social security fraud, and could spend up to 10 years in jail and be fined $250,000.

Monique Aaron, 45, was signed up for Social Security Disability payments. The administration does not offer financial assistance just to those who are fully disabled, but also to those who are partially or temporarily disabled, so they can get back on their feet and regain independence. The Social Security Administration encourages those who are on temporarily disability to find part-time employment while they are on disability, to ease the transition back to work. However, the Social Security Administration has strict guidelines around how many hours and what type of jobs can be performed by someone who claims to be disabled, and Aaron violated those guidelines. She worked as a Richland 1 bus driver for 6 years, although she received Social Security Disability payments between 2007 and 2013, and claimed that she was unable to work. She pleaded guilty to stealing $116,000 from the Social Security program, and she could also face 10 years in jail and a fine of $250,000.

Hussan Omar, 55 years old and a native of Syria, was the legal guardian for his disabled son, who collected Social Security Disability benefits. Omar, however, failed to report that his son returned to Syria between 2009 and 2013, and on Thursday, he admitted before a federal judge that he continued to collect social security payments on behalf of his child. The government discovered the fraud when the son returned and re-applied for disability payments, not realizing that his father was still receiving the checks. Omar admitted to receiving more than $25,000 in social security disability payments and he could also face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of$250,000.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims

Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration faces fraudsters all the time. This type of behavior means that applications become more difficult for those who genuinely need Social Security Retirement or Disability benefits.

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be complex and confusing.  However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim.  Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today.  We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation.  Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.