Trump is cleaning out the swamp. And it’s quicker than the elites would like.
Now police descended on this federal agency to make a stunning arrest.
A Social Security Administration employee has been sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to stealing over $75,000 by creating fake profiles for non-existent children and a deceased person.
The fraudulent scheme also netted him two $1,400 pandemic stimulus checks issued under the names of the fictitious children, adding to his illegal haul.
Fraudulent Scheme Using Fake Profiles
In his plea agreement, Lee Marvin Nichols confessed to using his position as a claims specialist to create bogus profiles for two fake children. He then linked these profiles to a recently deceased man to further the scheme.
To conceal his crime, Nichols connected the profiles to a disabled woman in Mexico, making it appear as if she had applied for survivor’s benefits on behalf of the children. However, instead of payments going to her, Nichols arranged for the benefit cards to be sent to a friend’s address. That friend then provided Nichols with the cards in exchange for a cut of the stolen funds.
The IRS also issued $1,400 stimulus payments to each of the fake children in April 2021, boosting Nichols’ illegal gains.
Abusing Public Trust for Personal Gain
Federal authorities condemned Nichols’ actions, emphasizing the breach of public trust.
“The defendant not only stole from the American taxpayer, but he also abused the trust given him as a public servant,” said Nicholas J. Ganjei, U.S. Attorney for Southern Texas, when announcing the two-year sentence on Wednesday.
Nichols’ punishment includes 18 months for fraud and an additional six months for failing to appear in court.
Flight to Mexico Delayed Sentencing
Nichols originally pleaded guilty in October 2023 and was scheduled for sentencing a year ago. However, he skipped his court appearance and fled to Mexico in what prosecutors described as a “luxury pickup truck.” By taking the truck across the border, Nichols prevented it from being seized and sold to help repay the stolen funds.
He was eventually arrested upon returning to the U.S. in September and pleaded guilty to the additional charge of flight in December.
Ordered to Pay Full Restitution
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Nichols to repay $85,316 to the Social Security Administration and $2,800 to the IRS to cover the full amount of his fraudulent gains.
The case underscores the serious consequences of abusing government positions for personal enrichment and the federal government’s commitment to holding public employees accountable.
