Social Security Employee Charged with Making a False Statement to Qualify for Low-Income Housing Subsidies

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that PERNEITA PRICE, age 31, of New Orleans, was charged yesterday by Bill of Information with making a false statement to the government.

According to documents filed in federal court, PRICE falsified federal affordable housing applications to qualify for low-income housing subsidies.

PRICE faces a maximum of five years imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person, and a $100 special assessment.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II is in charge of the prosecution.