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Orleans Parish Resident Charged with Theft of Government Funds

July 18, 2025

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney, Michael M. Simpson, announced that KAREN DUCKWORTH, age 66, of New Orleans, was charged on July 14, 2025 with theft of government funds.

According to court documents, on or before January 2009 and continuing through August 2024, KAREN DUCKWORTH, allegedly stole social security benefits improperly paid to her deceased mother’s bank account. 

The maximum penalty for the offense is ten years imprisonment and/or up to a fine of $250,000, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of one hundred dollars.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Pickens, II of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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