A federal judge this week sentenced an Alabama man for defrauding Jefferson County's retirement plan of over $130,000.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Gary Dean Gibbs, Jr., 52, to one year and one day for wire fraud on Monday. Gibbs was also ordered to pay $132,646.12 in restitution to the General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County. Gibbs pleaded guilty to the charges in May, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
According to the plea agreement, Gibbs' father was a former employee of Jefferson County, Alabama, who was receiving benefits from The General Retirement System for Employees of Jefferson County (GRS).
GRS is a retirement plan that provides benefits to retired and disabled employees of Jefferson County, Alabama. Beginning in September 2017 and continuing until February 2022, Gibbs concealed his father's death from GRS and collected money from GRS to which he was not entitled. Gibbs used his father's personal identifiers and forged his father's signature on documents submitted to GRS to further his scheme.
Additionally, Gibbs assumed his father's identity during telephone calls with GRS employees. Gibbs collected approximately $132,646.12, to which he was not entitled.
"The defendant's theft of money from the GRS was detrimental to the hard-working employees and retirees of Jefferson County, who contributed for years to the retirement plan, and was appropriately punished by time in federal prison." U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona said in a statement. "The United States Attorney's Office appreciates the work of the FBI and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the cooperation of the GRS during the investigation and prosecution of this matter."
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin prosecuted the case.
"Gibbs' fraudulent scheme took money away from the Jefferson County retirement system intended for those who have saved for their later years," FBI acting special agent in charge Felix A. Rivera-Esparra said. "The sentence handed down today holds him accountable for his actions and allows for restitution to the victims. I want to express my thanks to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for their partnership and assistance in this investigation."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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