Idaho Resident Sentenced For Theft Of Social Security Benefits

BOISE – Melinda Sue Priddy, 43, of New Meadows, Idaho, was sentenced today to five years of probation, including three months of home detention, for theft of $138,910 from the Social Security Administration, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. United States District Judge Edward J. Lodge also ordered Priddy to pay $138,910 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and to perform 100 hours of community service. She pleaded guilty to the charge on July 30, 2014.

According to the plea agreement, Priddy’s grandmother died in May of 2004. At the time of her death, Priddy’s grandmother was receiving survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration. These deposits were being made on a monthly basis into a bank account held jointly by Priddy and her grandmother. The Social Security Administration did not receive notification of Priddy’s grandmother’s death, and continued to make the monthly deposits into their joint account. From July of 2004 through May of 2013, Priddy, knowing that she was acting illegally, regularly withdrew this money for her own use.

The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.