MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gregory Whitt, 63, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to six months in prison for Social Security fraud.  Whitt pleaded guilty to this charge on October 17, 2018. 

Whitt began receiving Social Security benefits in June of 2011 after claiming an inability to work due to physical and mental health issues.  However, the investigation revealed that the defendant, while collecting Social Security payments, worked full-time as a dump truck driver in Beloit until 2017.  During this time, Whitt insisted that his employers pay him in cash so he could continue to receive Social Security payments.  As a result of his fraudulent conduct, Whitt received $118,602 in Social Security benefits to which he was not entitled. 

In imposing the six-month prison sentence, Judge Peterson noted that Whitt’s fraud lasted over six years and involved a significant amount of money.  Judge Peterson stated that Whitt knowingly cheated the system and was disappointed that Whitt made false statements to investigating agents when initially confronted with his crime. 

The charges against Whitt are the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.  The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Wegner. 

MADISON, WIS. -- A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today.  You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  If convicted, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Stevens Point Man Charged with Gun & Drug Crimes

Brian Louis, 55, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and with attempting to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that he attempted to possess methamphetamine on April 3, 2018, and that he possessed a .22 magnum rifle and a 12 gauge shotgun between March 31 and April 3, 2018.

If convicted, Louis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years on the gun charge and 20 years in federal prison on the drug charge.  The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Stevens Point Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow.

Chicago Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

DeAndre Thomas, 25, Chicago, Illinois, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment alleges that on January 29, 2018, he possessed a 9mm pistol.

If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow. 



La Crosse Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes

Eddy Arca, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  The second count of the indictment charges Arca with being a felon in possession of ammunition.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine and ammunition on March 30, 2018.

If convicted, Arca faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the drug charge.  The felon in possession of ammunition has a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Halverson.

The indictments charging Brian Louis, DeAndre Thomas, and Eddy Arca were brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

Mexican National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

Diego Ostria-Hernandez, 29, a citizen of Mexico found in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, is charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.  The indictment alleges that he was found in the U.S. on April 26, 2018.

If convicted, Ostria-Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Halverson.

Beloit Man Charged with Defrauding Social Security Administration

Gregory Whitt, 62, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with failing to disclose an event that affected his right to Social Security disability payments.  The indictment alleges that from September 2011 to June 2017, Whitt failed to disclose an improvement of his medical condition. 

If convicted, Whitt faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.