Oklahoma City Man Pays Nearly $123,000 to Settle Claims That He Wrongfully Obtained Social Security Benefits to Which He Was Not Entitled

OKLAHOMA CITY – David Lehman ("Lehman"), paid $122,949 to settle civil False Claims Act allegations that he obtained and used Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.

The United States alleges that from April 2013, through March 2019, Social Security benefits were deposited into the bank account of a deceased Social Security beneficiary.  The Social Security benefits would not have been paid had the United States been notified of the beneficiary’s death.  Lehman had access to the beneficiary’s bank account and withdrew the Social Security benefits for his own use.  To resolve these allegations, Lehman agreed to pay $122,949 to the United States.

In reaching this settlement, Lehman did not admit liability, and the government did not make any concessions about the legitimacy of the claims.  The agreement allows the parties to avoid the delay, expense, inconvenience, and uncertainty involved in litigating the case.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General-Office of Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald R. Gallegos prosecuted the case.