Laura Virginia Howard, a 76-year-old resident of Muskogee, Oklahoma, has pleaded guilty to theft of public monies. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma disclosed that Howard admitted to a felony charge punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The charges state that from February 28, 2007, to June 26, 2024, Howard embezzled more than $1,000 from the United States and the Social Security Administration. These funds were paid to a retirement claimant but were knowingly converted by Howard for her own use.
This case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration—Office of the Inspector General. The plea was accepted by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason A. Robertson in the Eastern District of Oklahoma's United States District Court. A presentence investigation report has been ordered.
A final sentence will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge after reviewing applicable sentencing guidelines and other factors. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Satter, Kara Traster, and Jonathan Soverly.
