U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans made an announcement regarding Melissa King, 53, from Hammond, Louisiana. On September 19, 2023, she pleaded guilty to the charge of Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
King could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail for this offense, in addition to up to three years on probation, a fine that could reach $250,000, as well as a compulsory special assessment fee of $100.
The sentencing hearing for this case has been scheduled for January 9, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry.
Court documents reveal that from about December 2016 to around March 2020, King unlawfully gathered roughly $44,696.00 in Social Security Administration funds that she had no right to claim.
U.S. Attorney Evans acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration. This case's legal proceedings are being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni from the Financial Crimes Unit.