A Franklinton resident has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds, according to a statement from Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson. Barbara Augustin, 58, admitted in federal court on October 23, 2025, to charges that she illegally received Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits.
Court documents state that between November 2018 and May 2023, Augustin knowingly converted money belonging to the United States for her own use. She obtained more than $40,000 in SSA benefits by not informing the agency about her son’s incarceration. As a result, she continued receiving payments as his representative payee despite being aware that she was not entitled to them.
Augustin faces up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
"The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, Financial Crimes Unit," Simpson stated.
The investigation into Augustin's actions was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General.
