Press Release
Hammond Woman Charged for Theft of More Than $44,000 In Social Security Funds
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that MELISSA KING (“KING”), age 53, of Hammond, Louisiana, was indicted on March 10, 2023 for Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around December 2016, and continuing until in or around March 2020, KING collected approximately $44,696.00 in Social Security Administration funds to which she was not entitled.
If convicted, KING faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Contact
Shane M. Jones
Public Information Officer
United States Attorney's Office
United States Department of Justice
Updated March 13, 2023
Topic
Financial Fraud
Component