Elm Grove woman pleads guilty to stealing deceased mother’s benefit payments

SHREVEPORT, La. – United States Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that a woman from Elm Grove pleaded guilty to stealing more than $36,000 worth of her deceased mother’s Worker’s Compensation benefits.

Rose M. Young, 60, of Elm Grove, La., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark L. Hornsby to one count of theft of government funds. The plea will become final when accepted by U.S. District Judge Donald E. Walter. According to evidence presented at the guilty plea, after Young’s mother died, Young continued to receive and spend her mother’s Worker’s Compensation benefits without notifying the U.S. Department of Labor that her mother had died. Young received a total of $36,716.76.

Young faces up to 10 years in prison, one to three years supervised release, a $250,000 fine and restitution. A sentencing date of November 19, 2015 was set.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. is prosecuting the case.