BIRMINGHAM WOMEN CHARGED IN UNRELATED CASES WITH THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS

BIRMINGHAM, AL - Linda Allen and Yvonne Anderson, both of Birmingham, have been charged with theft of government funds and filing false documents with the United States Department of Labor, Black Lung Benefits. The separate indictments are announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, and Douglas Colon, Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

“The theft of benefits intended for black lung victims is quickly met with prosecution,” stated United States Attorney Alice H. Martin.

Allen, 54, is charged with stealing $49,462 from the United States Government covering a time period from February 1998 until January 2006. Anderson, 65, is charged with stealing $42,021 from the United States Government covering a time period from May 1999 until January 2006. Both women are charged with making false statements to the U.S. Department of Labor which included forged signatures on federal form CM-929 which is a form titled “Report of Changes that May Affect Your Black Lung Benefits.”

The maximum sentence for theft of government property or money is ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The maximum sentence for making false statements is five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Special Agents with the Office of Inspector General, United States Department of Labor investigated this matter. Special Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted in the Anderson investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael W. Whisonant is prosecuting the separate cases on behalf of the U.S. Government.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.