Arvita Phillips-Henderson, 68, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged yesterday by Information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the Information, the defendant applied for Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration, and Housing Benefits from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under her true Social Security Number while working. She, later, collected retirement benefits under a second Social Security Number. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of more than $87,000.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years in prison, a three year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $87,827.25, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority Office of Audit and Compliance. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.
An Indictment or Information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
