Harolyn Bonner Pleads Guilty To Theft Of Government Money

HAROLYN BONNER, age 49, a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court today before U. S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk to theft of government money, announced U. S. Attorney Dana J. Boente.

According to court documents, from June 2009 through May 2012, BONNER stole approximately $23,710 from the Social Security Administration by obtaining benefits to which she was not entitled.  BONNER had managed disability benefits on behalf of her adult son. When her son died in 2009, the benefits should have terminated. However, BONNER continued to receive the benefits and converted them to her personal use knowing that she was not entitled to them. On at least two occasions after her son’s death, BONNER submitted written reports to the Social Security Administration representing that her son continued to reside with her and that she was using the payments for his food, housing, and other needs.

BONNER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of $250,000 and 3 years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Sentencing is set for July 25, 2013.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon.

(Download Indictment )