United States Attorney Rebecca A. Gregory announced Friday that a Orange, Texas man was sentenced Friday for charges of

fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits in the Eastern District of Texas.

According to information presented in Court, JAMES A. CHAPMAN, 47, began receiving Social Security Disability Benefits in 1998. Recipients of these type payments are required to notify the Social Security Administration of any circumstances that might decrease or disqualify that individual from receiving benefits. These changed circumstances could include recovery from the disability or employment of the beneficiary. Chapman was employed by Mark Anderson Surveyors, from 1998 through November, 2006, fraudulently utilizing the name and social security number of his wife, Laura Chapman. During the time frame he was employed, Chapman received Social Security disability benefit payments in the amount of $187,071.00. Chapman failed to notify the Social Security Administration of his employment.

Chapman, who had pleaded guilty to the charges in April of this year, was sentenced to a twelve month and one day term of imprisonment today during an appearance before United States District Judge Marcia Crone. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $187,071.00.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Rawls.