U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Keith Allen Courtney, a 53-year-old resident of Gainesville, to 13 months in federal prison for conspiracy related to the theft of Social Security Disability Benefits. The court also issued an order of forfeiture amounting to $71,208, which represents the proceeds from the conspiracy. Courtney had previously entered a guilty plea on April 12, 2024.
Courtney's conviction stems from his involvement in a scheme to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA). He was found to have concealed his employment activities while applying for and receiving SSA Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). This deception led the SSA to approve his application based on false and incomplete information, resulting in monthly benefit payments being issued on his behalf. From February 2016 through May 2020, Courtney improperly received a total of $71,208 in DIB.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler is responsible for prosecuting the case.