An Austin woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of stealing government funds, admitting to a scheme that spanned over two decades and netted her an astonishing $360,000 in Social Security payments intended for her deceased mother. U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick, representing the District of Minnesota, disclosed the details of this case, highlighting the extent of the fraud and the lengths to which the perpetrator went to sustain it.

Mavious Redmond, 54, entered her guilty plea to one count of theft of government funds during a court appearance on April 9, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel. The sentencing hearing for Redmond is set to take place at a later date, where she could face significant penalties for her actions.

The fraudulent activity began in January 1999 and continued unabated until June 2024, marking a staggering 25 years of deception. According to the court documents, Redmond orchestrated a scheme to continue collecting Social Security retirement benefits that were meant for her mother, who passed away in January 1999. This scheme not only involved the theft of funds but also the impersonation of her deceased mother, showcasing a calculated and premeditated approach to her criminal activities.

As detailed in the indictment, Redmond went to great lengths to perpetuate her scheme, including an incident on June 4, 2024, where she personally visited the Social Security Administration (SSA) office. During this visit, she fraudulently submitted an SS-5 Application for Social Security using her mother's name, date of birth, and Social Security number, all while forging her deceased mothers signature. This act of impersonation was not a one-time occurrence; Redmond returned to the SSA office just weeks later, on June 20, 2024, to resubmit the same fraudulent documentation, further emphasizing her commitment to this illicit endeavor.

The investigation that led to Redmond's arrest was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, which is dedicated to protecting the integrity of Social Security programs. The outcome of this case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from such long-term fraudulent behavior, not only for those directly involved but also for the wider community that relies on these essential government programs.

As this case awaits sentencing, it highlights the importance of vigilance in monitoring government programs and the need for stringent measures to prevent fraud. The repercussions of Redmond's actions may extend beyond her own legal troubles, impacting public perception and trust in Social Security systems.