Edgemont Man Pleads Guilty To Making False Unemployment Claims

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Terry M. Beard, age 46, of Edgemont, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy, on May 8, 2013, and pled guilty to False Claim. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Beard was indicted on July 24, 2012 for receiving unemployment insurance benefit payments from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board when he knew he was not entitled to them.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board-Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.