Robert Allen Barnes, Sr. Press Release (Guilty Plea)

May 19, 2009
For Immediate Release

ST. CHARLES MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD

St. Louis, MO: Robert Allen Barnes, Sr., pled guilty to social security fraud for collecting disability benefits while earning income from self employment, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today.

Barnes began to receive Social Security disability benefits in 1990 after claiming that his back was severely injured at work.

Beginning in late 2001 and early 2002, Barnes participated in running a business known as Spraymasters Powerwashing out of his residence on South Cardinal Lane, St. Charles, Missouri. The business offered restoration of decks, fences, playground equipment, etc. Barnes continued working in this business until October 2008 and earned substantial income from it during that time. However, he failed to accurately report to the Social Security Administration the number of hours he was working and how much he was making. Barnes had a family member file for the business license using a Social Security number as the Employer Identification Number of the business. In addition, Barnes had accounts at several banks. One account was used strictly for the deposit of his Social Security disability checks, but other banks and accounts were used for the business income.

The total amount improperly paid to Barnes is $133,278.

ROBERT ALLEN BARNES, SR. pled guilty to one felony count of social security fraud today before United States District Judge Charles A. Shaw. He now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on August 11, 2009.

Reap commended the work performed on the case by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and Assistant United States Attorney Rosemary Meyers, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI MICHAEL W. REAP Acting United States Attorney	NEWS RELEASE
For further information call (314) 539-2200
May 19, 2009 For Immediate Release ST. CHARLES MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD St. Louis, MO: Robert Allen Barnes, Sr., pled guilty to social security fraud for collecting disability benefits while earning income from self employment, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today. Barnes began to receive Social Security disability benefits in 1990 after claiming that his back was severely injured at work. Beginning in late 2001 and early 2002, Barnes participated in running a business known as Spraymasters Powerwashing out of his residence on South Cardinal Lane, St. Charles, Missouri. The business offered restoration of decks, fences, playground equipment, etc. Barnes continued working in this business until October 2008 and earned substantial income from it during that time. However, he failed to accurately report to the Social Security Administration the number of hours he was working and how much he was making. Barnes had a family member file for the business license using a Social Security number as the Employer Identification Number of the business. In addition, Barnes had accounts at several banks. One account was used strictly for the deposit of his Social Security disability checks, but other banks and accounts were used for the business income. The total amount improperly paid to Barnes is $133,278. ROBERT ALLEN BARNES, SR. pled guilty to one felony count of social security fraud today before United States District Judge Charles A. Shaw. He now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, when he is sentenced on August 11, 2009. Reap commended the work performed on the case by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and Assistant United States Attorney Rosemary Meyers, who is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.