Houston Woman Indicted For Fraud And Identity Theft

HOUSTON – Simone Nicole Gary, 35, of Houston, has been arrested following the return of a 35-count indictment alleging multiple counts of mail fraud, Social Security fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

The sealed indictment, returned Nov. 20, 2013, was unsealed today upon her arrest. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Hanks at 2:00 p.m.
 
The indictment alleges that between July 2009 and August 2012, Gary used the name and personal identifiers such as the Social Security number of another individual to obtain employment at Houston area medical clinics. She then allegedly submitted fraudulent applications to the American Kidney Fund for grants to patients to assist with the dialysis treatments. The American Kidney Fund then sent grant checks to Gary who then allegedly used the funds for her personal benefit.

The indictment alleges 27 counts of mail fraud, two counts of Social Security Fraud and six counts of identity theft.

If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison on each count of mail fraud as well as up to five years imprisonment for each count of Social Security fraud. For the aggravated identity theft, she faces an additional two years on each count, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All charges also carry a possible $250,000 fine if convicted.

The indictment also contains a notice of forfeiture of $55,191.53.

The case was investigated by Secret Service and Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Braddock.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.