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Department of Justice United States Attorney Julia C. Dudley |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, September 11, 2009 |
CONTACT: Brian McGinn PHONE: 540-857-2974 FAX: 540-857-2179 EMAIL: Brian.McGinn@usdoj.gov www.usdoj.gov/usao/vaw |
HARRISONBURG MAN CONVICTED OF STEALING FROM RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
Michiel Dailey Found Guilty Following Jury Trial
HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA -- A local man was convicted of one count of stealing government money and one failure to report information following a jury trial in U.S. District Court here last week.
Michiel Loren Dailey, 61, of Harrisonburg, Va., was found guilty of one count of stealing more than $1,000 from the Railroad Retirement Board between January 2003 and July 2005 and one count of failing to report required information concerning his ability to perform work to the same agency. Both charges were brought in relation to disability benefits Mr. Dailey was receiving but not entitled to.
At trial, Assistant United States Attorneys Sharon Burnham and Ashley B. Neese were able to prove that Dailey began receiving Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) disability benefits in 1990. He was instructed to report any work done, including work for “any employer.” Any income in excess of $400 per month would terminate the disability benefits. Through an income report provided by the Social Security Administration, the RRB learned that Dailey was working during 2003 - 2005. He never reported any income during this period, despite receiving yearly reminders. As a result, he received approximately $50,000 in benefits to which he was not entitled.
At sentencing, Daily faces a maximum penalty of 72 months in prison, a fine of up to $350,000 and restitution in the amount of approximately $50,000..
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Railroad Retirement Board. Assistant United States Attorneys Sharon Burnham and Ashley B. Neese prosecuted the case for the United States.