FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
June 27, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 1:11-cr-00068-OWW

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that Claire Denise Madden, 47, of Fresno, pleaded guilty today to one count of theft of government money and property, specifically Social Security disability benefit payments.

According to the plea agreement, Madden admitted that between 2004 and 2009, she acted as a representative payee to receive and administer disability benefits for a disabled individual. In 2005, Madden learned that the individual died but failed to notify the Social Security Administration of the individual’s death. Madden continued receiving the individual’s disability benefits and used them for herself, stealing more than $45,000.

This case is the product of an extensive investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Ian L. Garriques is prosecuting the case.

Madden is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge Oliver W. Wanger on September 12, 2011. The maximum statutory penalty for theft of government money and property is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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