Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced charges against Karen Duckworth, a 66-year-old resident of New Orleans, for theft of government funds. The charges were filed on July 14, 2025.
Court documents reveal that Duckworth allegedly stole social security benefits intended for her deceased mother's bank account from January 2009 through August 2024.
The offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $250,000. It also includes up to three years of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.
Simpson emphasized that the bill of information is merely an accusation and that guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
He commended the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General for their investigative work. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens II from the Financial Crimes Unit will lead the prosecution.
