Mary Elizabeth Workman, a 51-year-old woman from Raleigh, North Carolina, has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) out of more than $200,000. Workman pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds on June 26, 2024, after investigators uncovered her years-long scheme.
According to court documents, Mary Elizabeth Workman received monthly disability payments for over 15 years, claiming she was unable to work due to medical conditions. However, while collecting these benefits, Workman was running a successful tax refund business—a fact she deliberately hid from the SSA to keep receiving payments she wasn’t entitled to.
“Stealing from the system is stealing from those who truly need it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr., who prosecuted the case alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa K. Labresh. U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle delivered the sentence, calling attention to the seriousness of the crime.
How Mary Elizabeth Workman Hid Her Fraud
Mary Elizabeth Workman began collecting disability benefits in 2008, claiming she couldn’t work due to severe health issues. These benefits are specifically designed for people who are unable to earn an income due to physical or mental disabilities. While Workman continued to receive these payments for over 15 years, investigators discovered that she had started and was actively managing a thriving tax refund business.
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Despite the substantial income from her business, Workman failed to report her earnings to the Social Security Administration, as required by law. Instead, she continued to falsely claim that she was unable to work. By law, disability benefit recipients must inform the SSA of any work activity or income to ensure continued eligibility. Workman knowingly violated these rules, amassing over $200,000 in fraudulent payments.
Investigators uncovered evidence showing that Workman’s fraudulent activity was not accidental. It was a deliberate and sustained effort to exploit a program funded by taxpayers to help people with genuine disabilities. Her actions deprived deserving individuals of the financial support they needed while allowing her to live off unlawfully obtained benefits.
Federal prosecutors described Workman’s scheme as a blatant example of abuse. “Her actions show the lengths some will go to exploit taxpayer-funded programs,” U.S. Attorney Easley stated.
Mary Elizabeth Workman Faces Consequences for Her Actions
On December 11, 2024, Mary Elizabeth Workman was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. In addition to her time behind bars, Workman will likely be required to repay the government for the funds she stole. Officials hope her sentence will serve as a warning to others who might consider defrauding government programs.
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Acting Inspector General for Social Security Hannibal “Mike” Ware highlighted the importance of holding fraudsters accountable, stating, “This 15-month prison sentence holds Mary Elizabeth Workman accountable for theft of government funds.” He further noted that the stolen funds could have been used to support individuals who are truly unable to work due to medical conditions.
The investigation was led by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, which reviewed financial records and other documents showing a clear pattern of fraud. Over the course of 15 years, Workman repeatedly violated the rules of the disability program to maintain her fraudulent payments.
U.S. Attorney Easley praised the investigative team for their efforts in bringing Workman to justice, adding, “We remain committed to exposing fraud and protecting resources for the deserving.”
This case highlights the government’s commitment to prosecuting those who abuse taxpayer-funded programs. By stealing from the Social Security system, Workman not only harmed taxpayers but also jeopardized the resources intended for individuals who genuinely depend on disability benefits.
