Crime & Safety

Mom Who Threw $25K Prom Party Indicted For Social Security Fraud

Saudia Shuler threw a prom party with camels, high-end sports cars, and even a beach area last year. Now she's facing federal charegs.

Philadelphia – A Philly mom who made headlines for a lavish, $25,000 prom party in 2017 is making headlines again, but this time for allegedly committing social security fraud and theft of government funds.

U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Saudia Shuler, 44, of Philadelphia, was charged by indictment with six counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, and two counts of social security fraud.

Shuler hosted a party for her son in June 2017 that featured a camel, high-end sports cars, six custom outfits and tons of sand for a Dubai-themed prom party. At the time of the party, Shuler said she battled cancer and never thought she'd see her son attend a prom, so when she could, she went all out.

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According to the indictment, Shuler applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration, claiming she was disabled and unable to work.

After Social Security approved the benefits, the defendant allegedly continued working, including operating her own restaurant, Country Cookin' on North 22nd Street in Philadelphia, federal authorities said.

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Shuler is accused of never reporting her work or income to Social Security, a violation of program rules.

In total, Shuler allegedly caused a $36,785.67, loss to the government, according to federal authorities.

She faces a maximum sentence of 140 years’ incarceration, a period of supervised release, full restitution to the government of $36,785.67, a fine, and a special assessment, authorities said.

NBC10 reports in December, after her son's party, Shuler thew another huge party in her neighborhood, which included hundreds of gifts and two reindeer.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi.

Image via Shutterstock

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