U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that 53 YO Melissa King of Hammond was indicted for Theft of Government Funds.
According to the indictment, beginning in or around December 2016, and continuing until in or around March 2020, she collected approximately $44,696.00 in Social Security Administration funds to which she was not entitled.
If convicted, King faces a maximum penalty of ten (10) years of imprisonment, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit.
