Decade-Long Disability Fraud Scheme Unveiled in South Dakota Federal District

Jason Lee Stokes and Tami Lee Stokes have entered not guilty pleas in a federal case filed in the District of South Dakota, where they stand accused of defrauding the Social Security Administration over a ten-year period.

The couple is charged with theft of government funds, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and making false statements.

Court documents reveal that the fraud involved exaggerating Jason Stokes’ disability symptoms and impairment through various means, including falsifying reports, using a wheelchair unnecessarily, and making false claims about his daily activities and abilities.

The indictment against them consists of three counts detailing the crimes, the conspiracy, and specific instances of fraudulent acts.