When Doing the Most Goes Wrong: Mom Who Spent $25k on Prom Facing 140 Years for Fraud!
Ok, let's not act like we don't know at least one person who's "made a killin off fraud" (quote courtesy of Lil Duval). Even if they didn't make a "killin'" they at least told the Section 8 office that no man lived with them or that her and her husband were "separated". Well, that's kind of what happened to Saudia Shuler from Philadelphia.
Let's rewind a bit, Shuler has been no stranger to the media. For two years in a row she's made headlines for sending her son off to the prom in the most elaborate, AND EXPENSIVE, ways! The first year it was a "Dubai Themed" block party and the second year. . . sis took the hood to Wakanda!
Now sis is facing Social Security fraud charges!
Via ABC News 6:
"The U.S. attorney's office in Philadelphia announced charges of wire fraud, theft of government funds and Social Security fraud Tuesday against 44-year-old Saudia Shuler.Prosecutors say that Shuler applied for benefits, describing herself as disabled and unable to work, but continued working - including operating a restaurant called Country Cookin' - costing the government close to $37,000.
Deputy Chief of Health Care Fraud Beth Leahy said, "There's evidence she defrauded the government and no matter who you are the government brings charges." Leahy says, back in 2014, Shuler claimed she was disabled and unable to work, but after Social Security approved the benefits, she continued to operate her restaurant. "When asked about the quality of life, she said that she couldn't, rarely cook any meals and that her cousin cooked for her. In reality, Ms. Shuler was running a food take-out business for Country Cookin'," Leahy said. Shuler's attorney Tariq El-Shabazz says there's no way the charges are true; he says Shuler was sick. "Ms. Shuler suffered from a stroke and a result of that she was in rehab she was unable to do anything for two-plus years around the same time she was allegedly perpetrating this particular fraud," said El-Shabazz.
El-Shabazz said his client is a woman who has done nothing but serve her community, and she has no reason to lie to Social Security nor hide anything. El Shabazz added, "If someone is allegedly participating in and receiving social security benefits, disability benefits indicating they can't work, I don't know if they would have a store in their name." In total, prosecutors say Shuler owes the government more than $36,000. She faces nine charges, including two counts of social security fraud."
Saudia Shuler, who is certainly beloved by her community, is facing 140 years in prison, the maximum sentence, for this particular type of crime.
Shuler has been in pretty good spirits during the public spectacle even reposting parodies to her social media account that seem to acknowledge her crime but justify it as well.
Well. . . it was good while it lasted!
