Rockholds couple admits to ripping off Social Security, Medicaid

A Rockholds married couple has pleaded guilty to federal charges that they lied about being separated, allowing them to collect more than $76,000 in Social Security benefits that they otherwise would not be entitled.

Sixty-eight-year-old Billie Don King pleaded guilty to making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States.

According to the plea agreement, Billie King admitted that while the couple reported on Brenda King’s initial Supplemental Security Income (SSI) application in 2001 that they were married and living together, soon after she was approved for benefits, she reported they were separated.

“Brenda J. King reported her separation from the Defendant at regular intervals until her benefits were terminated in June of 2013,” the plea agreement states, noting if they had reported that they were living together, it would have rendered Brenda King ineligible to receive SSI and Medicaid benefits.

Billie King faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up $250,000.

Sixty-six-year-old Brenda J. King pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property belonging to the United States.

According to the plea agreement, the Social Security Administration paid Brenda King $76,238.95 in benefits between August 2001 and April 2013.

In addition, Brenda King received Medicaid payments to which she was not entitled between January 2002 and April 2013.
Brenda King faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. In addition, Brenda King must make restitution to the Social Security Administration and Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services.

The amount of the restitution will be determined by the court at the sentencing hearing.

The Kings are scheduled to be sentenced at 10 a.m. on July 9.