Skip to main content
Press Release

Orlando Woman Sentenced To 15 Months' imprisonment For Social Security Fraud

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Magda Raphael (35, Orlando) to 15 months in federal prison for theft of government property.  As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $63,169.00, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.  Raphael pleaded guilty on September 30, 2013.

According to court documents, Raphael stole $63,169.00 of government money that was designated for her child. From 2006 to 2010, Raphael’s sister was the representative payee for the money. However, Raphael completed the Social Security forms and forged her sister's signature without her consent. After the funds were issued, Raphael would then forge her sister's signature on her daughter's Social Security Administration’s paper checks. Raphael then used her daughter’s benefits for her own personal use, including court fees for a prior welfare fraud case.

This case was investigated by Social Security Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.


Updated January 26, 2015