Detroit Woman Convicted of Stealing Social Security Disability Benefits for More Than a Decade

July 25, 2024

From the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan

DETROIT - A Detroit woman was convicted by a federal jury yesterday for stealing more than $90,000 from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its programs, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced today.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Chancellor Melvin, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General, Chicago Field Division.

Ernestine Hogue, a/k/a Ernestine Calhoun, 73, was convicted following a two-day jury trial in Ann Arbor, before United States District Judge Judith E. Levy. This is her fourth federal felony conviction for fraud.

Between 2003 and 2015, Hogue—despite working under her true identity—fraudulently collected disability insurance benefits under the name of Ernestine Calhoun, using a second social security number that she had previously obtained under false pretenses. Over the years, Hogue also made multiple false statements to SSA, repeatedly concealing her employment from the government. In total, Hogue’s scheme allowed her to fraudulently obtain $91,461.60 in government money to which she was not entitled.

“This defendant worked (and lied about working) while receiving Social Security disability benefits—benefits meant for people who are unable to work,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. “Our office stands ready to aggressively prosecute those who steal from taxpayers and programs designed to help those in need. “

“I thank the jury for their work in this case; their verdict holds the defendant accountable for the crimes she committed by receiving Social Security disability benefits fraudulently. Her longstanding deception speaks to the depth of her intent to defraud the Social Security Administration (SSA) for as long as she could,” said SSA OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Melvin. “Our office will continue to help safeguard these benefits for those entitled to receive them.”

This case was investigated by special agents of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Lambert and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Particka.