Minnesota Man Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Cloquet, Minnesota man charged with Social Security fraud was sentenced on January 23, 2012, by Chief U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier. Christopher Curtis, age 41, was sentenced to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund, and restitution to health care providers in the total amount of $146,604.14.

Curtis was indicted for Social Security fraud by a federal grand jury on December 8, 2010. Between March 1, 2010, and April 30, 2010, Curtis falsely represented that a certain Social Security number was assigned to him, when such number was not assigned to him. During the relevant dates, Curtis received treatment at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls. His treatment included an approximate two-week in-patient stay and several follow up treatments. He registered under a false name and a false Social Security number. Curtis pled guilty to the charge on November 2, 2011.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Koliner prosecuted the case.

Curtis was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.