Greenbrier, Arkansas – Roy David Lykins, 56, of Greenbrier, has been sentenced to 19 months in federal prison for defrauding the Social Security Administration of nearly $249,000 in payments.
United States District Judge Brian S. Miller imposed the term, which includes two years of supervised release. The announcement was delivered by Jonathan D. Ross, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas.
Deceptive claims of disability
Lykins started receiving Title II Disability Insurance benefits in October 2001, claiming he couldn’t work because of significant physical restrictions.
According to paperwork submitted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2005, Lykins claimed he could only walk 35 to 50 feet, couldn’t maintain personal hygiene, and struggled to understand or follow directions.
He continued to receive benefits based on these claims, despite the requirement that he disclose any changes in his condition or job status.
Concealing Earnings Through Deception
Investigators revealed that Lykins worked as a salaried farmhand in Red Oak, Arkansas, from 2005 to 2018, while still receiving disability benefits. To disguise his profits, Lykins convinced his employer to issue paychecks in his wife’s name and Social Security number. Lykins avoided detection for over a decade by failing to declare his employment or wages to the Social Security Administration.
If Lykins had revealed his work in 2005, his disability benefits would have been canceled. Instead, his illegal conduct resulted in the SSA improperly paying him around $249,166.10. Lykins also wrongfully obtained $56,227.40 in Medicare payments from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
On August 3, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Lykins for theft of government property and making a false statement. On January 24, 2024, he pleaded guilty to the theft charge and had the false statement charge dismissed.
The matter was probed by the SSA’s Office of Inspector General, which highlighted the gravity of Lykins’ fraudulent activities. 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 emphasized the importance of the case, adding, “This defendant knowingly concealed his earnings and was dishonest about the status of his disability, resulting in the receipt of a significant amount of undeserved money and benefits.” Please let this serve as a caution to those who attempt to participate in similar conduct: our office will hold you accountable and pursue hefty penalties.”
Ware also praised the investigating teams, especially the Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit, for uncovering Lykins’ fraudulent plan and ensuring justice was served.
Consequences of Fraud
In addition to his prison sentence, Lykins faces two years of supervised release after his release. His actions emphasize the significance of transparency and accountability when claiming government benefits, as fraud not only weakens the system’s integrity but also deprives resources from those who are truly in need.
The case serves as a stark reminder that federal officials must be watchful in identifying and prosecuting those who attempt to exploit government programs for personal gain. Lykins’ imprisonment is a critical step toward protecting taxpayer-funded benefits and preserving systemic fairness.