LONDON, Ky. (AP) — A federal grand jury in London has charged 14 Eastern Kentucky residents with defrauding Social Security and Medicaid out of more than $1 million.
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports (http://bit.ly/NrnPrB) several of those charged concealed the fact that they lived with their spouses — making it appear they had less financial support in order to qualify for benefits.
http://liarcatchers.com/fraud_investigation.html
In one case, prosecutors believe that Francis Terry, of McCreary County, concealed the fact she lived with her husband while improperly receiving more than $200,000 in Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid payments. Albert Terry was indicted with his wife.
Henrietta Winchester, also of McCreary County, was charged with illegally receiving more than $120,000 in benefits by failing to disclose that she lived with, and received support from, her husband Denver. The two also were charged with lying to federal employees.
Others charged by the grand jury are Novella Lawson, and Earl and Rebecca Johnson, of Whitley County; Lula Lewis, of Leslie County; Patty Justice, Sasha DeHart and Alice Cole, of Pike County; Herman Caldwell, of Bell County; Frank Holland, of Perry County; and Sarah Binder, of Laurel County.
The Johnsons allegedly received more than $73,000 in survivor benefits for a grandchild in their care but spent the money on themselves. Caldwell was charged with receiving more than $104,000 in federal disability payments even though he had a job.
The health care fraud and theft charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Social Security fraud and lying charges carry a top sentence of five years.
The cases are not connected.
