What an asshole!

[ls317]

TACOMA, Washington (AP) -- A woman admitted Monday that she coached her two children to fake retardation starting when they were 4 and 8 years old so she could collect Social Security benefits on their behalf.

Rosie Costello, 46, admitted in U.S. District Court that she collected more than $280,000 in benefits, beginning in the mid-1980s. Most was from Social Security, but the state social services agency paid $53,000.

Costello pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government and Social Security fraud. Her son, Pete, 26, pleaded guilty earlier this month. Federal prosecutors in Seattle said Monday authorities had not yet located her daughter, Marie.

According to the plea agreement, Costello began coaching her daughter at age 4, and later used the same ruse with her son. He feigned retardation into his mid-20s -- picking at his face, slouching and appearing uncommunicative in meetings with Social Security officials.

[donco6]

1. Not at all surprised.

I have no doubt it happens all the time. Maybe not this blatantly, but close.

[pdrichards114]

2. That's pretty damned low. Just when the bar appears it can go no lower, someone breaks out a shovel

[Canuckistanian]

3. How do you fake a mental condition without a diagnosis?

Government agencies in Canada don't take your word without confirmation from a doctor.

Is it so lax there?

[LSK]

4. whats worse is that the right will point to this as an excuse to get rid of soc security

[valerief]

5. The top 1% in America each steal WAY more than that. Chicken feed when you look at the big picture.

[KamaAina]

6. And again life imitates art (or at least South Park)

Remember when Cartman thought he was gonna scam Special Olympics out of a $1,000 prize?

He ended up finishing dead last in every single event. But the booby prize was a restaurant gift certificate...

edit: spelling

[ikojo]

7. I can't imagine the torture her kids

went through being perceived by schools and others, as retarded when they were kids and teenagers. Marie, the daughter probably ran as far away as possible from this woman.

I truly don't think the kids should be charged, even if they are adults now, as they were only doing what they were told to do by their mom.

I hope the son, and the daughter if she is found, get a good lawyer.