Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Christopher David Curtis, age 41, of Cloquet, Minnesota, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on November 2, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Social Security Fraud. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

Between March 1, 2010, and April 30, 2010, Curtis falsely represented that a certain Social Security number was assigned to him, when such number was not assigned to him. During the relevant dates, Curtis received treatment at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls. His treatment included an approximate two-week in-patient stay and several follow up treatments. He registered under a false name and a false social security number. He failed to pay for his treatment, and Avera McKennan is owed approximately $130,709.04.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Kevin Koliner.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for January 23, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.