Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Tekia Middleton (41, Bradenton) to 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for theft of government funds. As part of Middleton’s sentence, the court also ordered Middleton to pay restitution in the amount of $51,755 and, separately, entered a forfeiture money judgment against her in the amount of $51,755, the proceeds of the offense.
Middleton had pleaded guilty on May 4, 2021.
According to court documents, Middleton’s mother, A.C., was receiving Social Security benefits. After A.C. passed away on September 7, 2014, Middleton never reported her death to the Social Security Administration (SSA), causing the SSA to continue paying benefits for A.C. From September 2014, through June 2019, Middleton knowingly accessed the funds meant for A.C. and used them for her own personal expenses. In total, Middleton knowingly and willfully stole approximately $51,755 in benefits to which she was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
