Fraudulent job applications led to federal indictment of an Indianapolis woman
Indianapolis, Indiana – Rochelle Perry, a 49-year-old Indianapolis resident, has been formally indicted by a federal grand jury. The charges encompass five counts of Social Security number fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and a count of Social Security disability benefits fraud.
The indictment alleges that Perry submitted five deceitful employment applications to nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Indianapolis area between February 26, 2020, and March 23, 2022. She purportedly used a purloined Social Security number on all applications, a strategy designed to permit her to work while continuing to receive unemployment benefits. The misuse of the Social Security number was also intended to circumvent potential issues with passing standard background checks, she would have faced using her real SSN.
Further allegations state that Perry falsely used a stolen Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license number on some applications, giving potential employers the impression that she was qualified for the role, despite not holding any nursing licenses in Indiana.
According to the indictment, between December 3, 2019, and December 2, 2022, Perry illegitimately received approximately $54,991.30 in Social Security disability benefits. She allegedly falsely reported, in 2021 and 2022, that she had not earned any income since May 2019.
This case was investigated by an array of agencies, including the FBI, the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and IMPD. If found guilty on all charges, Perry could face a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison. However, the final decision will be at the discretion of the judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors before passing the sentence.
