Woman Pleads Guilty To Theft Of Government Funds

ROME, Ga. - Margie Sue Goad has pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government funds for stealing her granddaughter's Social Security benefits. 

“The defendant was her granddaughter’s only family.  She betrayed the child by relinquishing her into state custody and then stealing her benefits” said United States Attorney Sally Quillian Yates.  “Goad’s guilty plea cannot undo the harm done to her granddaughter.  It does, however, show our commitment to justice and it should serve as a deterrent to others.”

“Stealing Social Security benefits intended for the care of a child is a shameful, selfish crime,” said Thomas Caul, Special Agent in Charge, Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration.  “I’m gratified to see this defendant brought to justice and grateful to the U.S. Attorney for ensuring that Ms. Goad’s actions did not go unpunished.  Hopefully others charged with the care of children, and receiving Social Security benefits to provide that care, will take notice that there are serious consequences for violating that trust.”

According to United States Attorney Yates, the charges and other information presented in court: Marie Goad was appointed representative payee for her minor granddaughter’s Title II Social Security Survivor’s Benefits and Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in September 2002.  She was required to use these benefits solely for the care and support of her granddaughter.  Her granddaughter began receiving SSB from her deceased father's account in 1994, and SSI in 2001.  Goad was required to complete yearly reports for the Social Security Administration (SSA) confirming that her granddaughter resided with her.  

Goad did not notify SSA that she relinquished permanent physical and legal custody of her granddaughter to DFACS in 2002, and that the child was growing up in foster care and group homes.  Instead, Goad continued to receive her granddaughter's benefits money, and spent the money on herself, and not on the child. 

Sentencing for Goad, 68, of Dalton, Ga., is scheduled for July, 31, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. before United States District Judge Robert L. Vining Jr.

This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman is prosecuting the case.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the home page for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Rome Division is http://www.justice.gov/usao/gan/.