Franklinton Woman Sentenced For Social Security Fraud

NEW ORLEANS - On July 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced BARBARA AUGUSTIN ("AUGUSTIN"),age 59, of Franklinton, Louisiana, to three (3) years probation, ordered her to pay restitution of $43,477 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I Courcelle.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division"). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

AUGUSTIN had previously pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. According to the bill of information, beginning in or about November 2018, and continuing until in or about May 2023, AUGUSTIN knowingly converted to her use, Social Security Administration ("SSA") money belonging to the United States, to which AUGUSTIN knew she was not entitled. AUGUSTIN fraudulently obtained $43,477 in SSA benefits by failing to report her son's incarceration to Social Security, which allowed her to continue receiving benefits on his behalf as his representative payee.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, Financial Crimes Unit.

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