Fayetteville, Arkansas - Duane (DAK) Kees, United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, announced that Mike Bailey, age 49, of Rogers, Arkansas, was sentenced this week to 12 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release, and restitution in the amount of $123,181.00 for one count of Theft of Government Funds. The Honorable Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.

According to court records, Bailey applied for Social Security Disability Benefits in 2003 citing pain and mental health issues, but was denied. In 2005, Bailey was approved for Social Security Benefits. Pursuant to the application, Bailey agreed to notify the Social Security Administration of any changes in his ability to work and his employment status. In 2017, Bailey completed a “Continuing Disability Review Report,” and claimed that he had not worked since his last medical decision. Subsequently, investigators discovered that Bailey was self-employed as a fishing guide for the past eight (8) years, and had lead 3-4 trips per week during that period. In April 2018, investigators observed Bailey’s work as a fishing guide. Investigators were able to observe Bailey completing tasks that he indicated that he was unable to complete.  Bailey exhibited mental acuity inconsistent with his earlier professed mental limitations. Bailey admitted that he did receive Social Security Disability Benefits that he knew he was not entitled. Bailey’s scheme resulted in an aggregate value of $123,181.00, which he was not entitled to receive.

Bailey was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2018, and entered a guilty plea in January 2019.

This case was investigated by Detective Charles Briscoe of the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, working jointly with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office (AG), United States Secret Service, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case for the United States.