Recruiter of DSS Check Cashiers Pleads Guilty

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that Nova Johnson, age 40, of Columbia, South Carolina pled guilty today to theft of federal program funds for her role in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.2 million dollars from DSS. Ms. Johnson admitted to cashing four DSS checks that were procured by fraud and to recruiting others to cash additional checks.

Paul Timothy Moore was indicted in February for allegedly using his position as the DSS Finance Director to authorize the issuance of hundreds of DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator who also recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Moore was recently released from federal custody and is awaiting trial.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00.

Mr. Wilkins stated, “Stealing money from DSS that could have been used to help the needy and underprivileged is reprehensible. These guilty pleas affirm our office’s commitment to prosecute those who illegally line their pockets with public dollars. We are committed to vigorously prosecuting each and every individual involved in any respect in this scheme.”

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

FORMER DSS FINANCE DIRECTOR INDICTED

United States Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that former Department of Social Services Finance Director Paul Timothy Moore, age 61, of Columbia, and five other individuals were charged in federal Indictments with theft of federal program funds, mail and wire fraud, and conspiracy, for their respective roles in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.2 million dollars from DSS.

The Indictment against Moore alleges that he used his position as the agency’s Finance Director to authorize the issuance of hundreds of DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator who recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Five other people were likewise indicted for having cashed some of the checks and /or having recruited others into the scheme: Herbert McKie, age 27, Tyra L. Goodson, age 36, Nova Kathleen Johnson, age 40, and Sandra Denease Smith, age 45, all of Columbia; and Calandra Fabary Thomas, age 38, of Aiken.

Moore remains in federal custody.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds and conspiracy is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00; mail and wire fraud each carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Former DSS Finance Director Charged with Embezzling $5.5 Million

U.S. Attorney W. Walter Wilkins stated today that former Department of Social Services Finance Director Paul Timothy Moore, age 61, of Columbia, and nine other individuals, were charged in a federal Complaint with theft of federal program funds, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy, for their respective roles in an alleged scheme to embezzle more than $5.5 million dollars from DSS.

The Complaint and arrest warrants were signed this morning by United States Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett in Columbia. An affidavit presented by a United States Secret Service Agent outlined the scheme, in which Moore allegedly used his position as the agency’s Finance Director to authorize the issuance of approximately 761 DSS checks between May 2004 and October 2008, in the approximate average amount of $7,000.00 each. The checks were made payable to names allegedly provided by a co-conspirator, Jonathon Moses, age 42, of Columbia, who recruited the named individuals to cash the checks and split the proceeds.

Eight other people were likewise identified as having cashed some of the checks and /or having recruited others into the scheme: Herbert McKie, age 27, Aisha Leheva Crumpton, age 23, Tyra L. Goodson, age 36, Nova Kathleen Johnson, age 40, and Sandra Denease Smith, age 45, all of Columbia; and Gwendolyn Robinson, age 41, Ortyse S. Mazone, age 37, and Calandra Fabary Thomas, age 38, all of Aiken.

Moore and Moses were arrested this morning and remain in custody until making an initial appearance in federal court in Columbia at 2:30 today.

Wilkins said he expects additional arrests. “Clearly many other people appear to be involved. Many people may have cashed these checks, based on information we have obtained thus far in the investigation,” said Wilkins. “I would encourage anyone with information to contact the Secret Service here in Columbia. I would also strongly encourage anyone who is involved to come forward; it would certainly be in their best interest.” The phone number for the Columbia office of the Secret Service is (803) 772-4015.

The maximum possible penalty for theft of federal program funds and conspiracy is ten years and a fine of $250,000.00; mail fraud and wire fraud each carry a maximum possible sentence of 20 years and a $250,000.00 fine.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case is being investigated by agents of the United States Secret Service and SLED, and that he has assigned the case to Assistant United States Attorney Debbie Barbier of the Columbia office for prosecution.

The U.S. Attorney stated that all charges are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.