Montana mother pleads guilty to stealing from disabled son

From the Independent Record in Helena, Mont.:

Mary Lynn Mills, 58, of Helena pleaded guilty in federal court March 19 to stealing Social Security income that should have gone to her mentally disabled son during the past two years.

She faces up to 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. However, her attorney, Steve Haddon, said he expects that after a pre-sentence examination, the sentencing guidelines will be closer to a zero- to six-month sentence.

U.S. District Court Senior Judge Charles Lovell set a June 4 sentencing date. Mills was released from custody with special conditions.

According to Paulette Stewart, assistant U.S. attorney, Mills’ son — identified only as J.H. — was receiving supplemental security income payments as well as disability insurance benefits because of a mental disability. Because he wasn’t able to manage his own money, Mills was appointed to assist him.

Between Nov. 3, 2006 and May 2, 2008, Mills was paid $9,165 in benefits. She indicated she spent all but $217 for food, housing and other needs for J.H.However, J.H.’s father was interviewed in 2008 and said his son had resided with him since 2006, and they hadn’t received any more than $140 from Mills during that time.

“She admitted she knew she wasn’t entitled to the funds, but needed the money to
survive,” Stewart said.

In court, Mills said she’s been treated for cancer during the past two years. The judge also noted that her current husband is awaiting a liver transplant.