A 38-year-old Harlingen SSA Specialist, Lee Marvin Nichols, has been taken into custody on charges of creating false profiles to swindle government money, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The indictment also alleges that the Harlingen SSA Specialist used debit cards issued to the fake children to withdraw funds and get money. (Photo: Youtube – Matt and Amanda)
Harlingen SSA Specialist Creates False Social Security Profiles to Steal Money
According to Texas Daily, on June 27, a three-count indictment returned accuses the Harlingen SSA Specialist of creating fake profiles for two non-existent children. He linked these fake profiles to a recently deceased man and a disabled woman living in Mexico to apply for survivor benefits.
The indictment also alleges that the Harlingen SSA Specialist used debit cards issued to the fake children to withdraw funds and get money.
He even allegedly tried to disguise himself during these transactions by wearing hats, balaclavas sunglasses, and other clothing to hide his appearance.
Apart from fraudulently obtaining Social Security benefits, the IRS reportedly issued economic stimulus payments of $1,400 to each fictitious child.
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Harlingen SSA Specialist Faces Charges
Harlingen SSA Specialist Lee Marvin Nichols was arrested and is scheduled to make his initial appearance on August 4 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III.
Harlingen SSA Specialist Nichols is charged with one count of theft of government property, which could result in up to 10 years in federal prison.
According to Valley Central, if convicted of aggravated identity theft, the Harlingen SSA Specialist must also serve a mandatory two-year sentence, to be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The investigation was carried out by the SSA-Office of Inspection General, with assistance from IRS-Criminal Investigation and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray, Ben Sandel, Andrew Swartz, and Jose Esquivel are prosecuting the case of the Harlingen SSA Specialist.
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct and not evidence, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Harlingen SSA Specialist Nichols’ alleged actions have raised concerns about the security measures in place to protect government funds.
In conclusion, the arrest of Harlingen SSA Specialist Lee Marvin Nichols serves as a reminder that attempts to exploit the system and steal government funds will not go unpunished.
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