Greenbrier, Arkansas – A federal court has sentenced a 56-year-old Greenbrier man, Roy David Lykins, to 19 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining over $249,000 in Social Security benefits. United States District Judge Brian S. Miller handed down the sentence, which also includes two years of supervised release. The announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Deceptive Claims of Disability
Lykins began receiving Title II Disability Insurance benefits in October 2001, claiming he was unable to work due to severe physical limitations. According to documents submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2005, Lykins stated he could only walk 35 to 50 feet, could not maintain personal hygiene, and struggled to understand or follow instructions. Based on these claims, he continued receiving benefits, despite being required to report any changes in his condition or employment status.
Concealing Earnings Through Deception
Investigators discovered that between 2005 and 2018, Lykins worked as a salaried farmhand in Red Oak, Arkansas, while continuing to collect disability benefits. To conceal his earnings, Lykins persuaded his employer to issue paychecks in his wife’s name and Social Security number. By not reporting his employment or earnings to the SSA, Lykins evaded detection for more than a decade.
Had Lykins reported his work in 2005, his disability benefits would have been terminated. Instead, his fraudulent actions caused the SSA to improperly pay him approximately $249,166.10. Additionally, Lykins improperly received $56,227.40 in Medicare benefits through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
On August 3, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Lykins on charges of theft of government property and making a false statement. He later pleaded guilty to the theft charge on January 24, 2024, in exchange for the dismissal of the false statement charge.
The case was investigated by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General, which emphasized the seriousness of Lykins’ fraudulent actions. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Acting Inspector General for the SSA, stated, “By working as a farmhand and concealing his work and earnings under his wife’s Social Security number, he deceived SSA that he was entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, causing SSA to improperly pay him more than $249,000.”
Message from Prosecutors and Investigators
United States Attorney Jonathan D. Ross highlighted the significance of the case, stating, “This defendant knowingly concealed his earnings and was untruthful about the status of his disability, resulting in the receipt of a significant amount of undeserved money and benefits. Please let this be a warning to those who seek to engage in similar conduct: our office will hold you accountable and seek significant penalties.”
Ware also commended the efforts of the investigative teams, including the Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit, in exposing Lykins’ fraudulent scheme and ensuring justice was served.
Consequences of Fraud
In addition to his prison sentence, Lykins faces two years of supervised release following his incarceration. His actions highlight the importance of transparency and accountability when claiming government benefits, as fraud not only undermines the integrity of the system but also deprives resources from individuals genuinely in need.
The case serves as a stern reminder that federal authorities remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to exploit government programs for personal gain. Lykins’ sentencing marks a decisive step in safeguarding taxpayer-funded benefits and ensuring fairness within the system.
