Beverly Watson McNabb, 62, of Greensburg, Louisiana, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in federal court. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis. McNabb entered her plea before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick.
The charge of federal program theft carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release.
According to information provided during the plea hearing, McNabb had access to a commercial bank account belonging to an elderly family member identified as R.W., who received retirement benefits from the United States Social Security Administration (SSA) via direct deposit. R.W. died on or about December 5, 2015.
From the date of R.W.'s death until at least April 7, 2020, McNabb continued to take SSA benefits that she knew she was not entitled to use. Over nearly five years, she used the funds for personal expenses including purchasing a wedding dress and items from restaurants, supermarkets, and a prison commissary for friends. She also made several cash withdrawals from the account for other personal purchases. In total, approximately $50,000 in federal program benefits were stolen.
The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner, who serves as Deputy Criminal Chief.
"Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that Beverly Watson McNabb, age 62, of Greensburg, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to theft of government funds."
"This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the United States Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward H. Warner, who also serves as Deputy Criminal Chief."
