The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Helena, on August 30, 2012, before Senior U.S. District Judge Charles C. Lovell, CASSANDRA JOAN FADNESS, a 60-year-old resident of Boulder, pled guilty to theft of government money and social security payee fraud. Sentencing has been set for December 28, 2012. He is currently released on special conditions.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad C. Spraker, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

From approximately April of 2008 to approximately August of 2008, in Helena, FADNESS, while operating Montana Payee Services, became the representative payee for X.X. and, in that capacity, withdrew funds from X.X.'s beneficiary bank account by withdrawing cash and unauthorized fees and converting the cash and fees for her own personal use.

FADNESS faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General.

 

 

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