A Missouri woman has admitted to stealing her brother's Social Security disability payments while he was incarcerated. Lora Houck, 57, from Kahoka in Clark County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of government money.
Houck acknowledged that she held power of attorney for her brother and controlled his bank accounts during his imprisonment from May 2013 to June 2023. Despite knowing he was not entitled to the benefits, she accessed his bank accounts and disability benefits. The benefits ceased in September 2021, but by then Houck had stolen a total of $157,323.
At her sentencing on September 23, Houck could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or both.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwendolyn Carroll is prosecuting the case.
