Paul Timothy Moore, 61, of Columbia, and nine others were charged in a federal complaint with theft of federal program funds, mail fraud, wire fraud

Paul Timothy Moore, 61, of Columbia, and nine others were charged in a federal complaint with theft of federal program funds, mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy, for their alleged roles in a scheme to embezzle more than $5.5 million dollars from DSS.DSS is one of the largest state agencies, with 4,400 employees and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion dollars. It is responsible for overseeing programs ranging from protecting children and the elderly from abuse to providing food and temporary financial assistance to the needy. The complaint and arrest warrants were signed this morning by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paige J. Gossett in Columbia.An affidavit presented by a U.S. Secret Service Agent outlined the scheme:
Moore allegedly used his position as the agency’s finance director to authorize the issuance of about 761 DSS checks, averaging about $7,000 each, between May 2004 and October 2008. The checks were made payable to names, which authorities believe were provided by a co-conspirator, Jonathon Moses, 42, of Columbia, who recruited people to cash the checks and split the proceeds.Eight other people are suspected of having cashed some of the checks and/or having recruited others into the scheme: Herbert McKie, 27, Aisha Leheva Crumpton, 23, Tyra L. Goodson, 36, Nova Kathleen Johnson, 40, and Sandra Denease Smith, 45, all of Columbia; and Gwendolyn Robinson, 41, Ortyse S. Mazone, 37, and Calandra Fabary Thomas, 38, all of Aiken.Moore and Moses were arrested this morning and remain in custody until making an initial appearance in federal court in Columbia later today.Wilkins said he expects additional arrests.
The maximum penalty for theft of federal program funds and conspiracy is 10 years and a fine of $250,000; mail fraud and wire fraud each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.