U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Keith Allen Courtney, a 53-year-old resident of Gainesville, to 13 months in federal prison for conspiracy related to the theft of Social Security Disability Benefits. In addition to the prison term, an order of forfeiture amounting to $71,208 was issued, representing the proceeds from the conspiracy. Courtney had entered a guilty plea on April 12, 2024.
Court documents reveal that Courtney engaged in a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) by hiding his employment activities while applying for and receiving SSA Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). As a result of providing false and incomplete information, Courtney's application for DIB was approved by the SSA, leading to monthly benefit payments being issued on his behalf. Between February 2016 and May 2020, he unlawfully received $71,208 in benefits.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution is being handled by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
