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Tampa Man, 71, Gets Prison For Spending Mom's Social Security

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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

TAMPA - A 71-year-old man who spent his mother's Social Security money on himself and on female companions has been sentenced to two years in federal prison.

Edward McDonald also was fined $5,000 and ordered to serve three years of probation upon his release from prison.

McDonald's mother, Lillie Mae, has dementia and lives in a nursing home, according to court filings. She was unable to manage her affairs, so her son was authorized to receive her Social Security benefits, with the provision he spend the money on her care.

Federal authorities were contacted in 2008 when the bills for Lily Mae McDonald's nursing care were not paid.

From February 2005 through January 2008, McDonald received approximately $39,000 in Social Security benefits on behalf or his mother and used the money on himself, according to court pleadings.

"A review of bank records of McDonald shows that McDonald paid his own personal bills with his mother's Social Security money, as well as provided a substantial amount of money to female companions," states a prosecution filing.

On Oct. 20, the day his trial was to begin, McDonald pleaded guilty to using the money and lying on Social Security forms that asked for an accounting of expenditures.

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