Press Releases
LOCAL MAN PLEADS GUILTY
TO SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD
August 1, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RONALD P. LEO, age 55, a resident of Terrytown, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge A.J. McNamara to a felony charge of making material false statements to the United States; announced U. S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to court documetns, RONALD P. LEO pled guilty to one count of making a false statement as to a material fact regarding his work status in information provided to the Social Security Administration. Specifically, on Form SSA-454BK, LEO falsely claimed he had not worked since becoming disabled. According to the factual basis filed in court, LEO worked as a cab driver and leased his cab to other drivers. Consequently, LEO earned income exceeding the amount allowed under SSA regulations during the period that he claimed to be disabled. As a result of his false claim, LEO received $108,884.20 in Social Security disability benefits to which he was not entitled.
LEO faces a possible sentence of five (5) years incarceration. He is scheduled for sentencing on November 7, 2007.
The case was investigated by the Special Agents with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U. S. Attorney Irene González.
