FAYETTEVILLE — A Rogers man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for theft.
Mike Bailey, 49, was sentenced to one year in prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $123,181 restitution for one count of theft of government money.
According to court records, Bailey applied for Social Security Disability Benefits in 2003 citing pain and mental health issues but was denied. In 2005, Bailey was approved for the benefits. Pursuant to the application, Bailey agreed to notify the Social Security Administration of any changes in his ability to work and his employment status.
In 2017, Bailey completed a “Continuing Disability Review Report” and claimed he hadn’t worked since his last medical decision. Subsequently, investigators discovered Bailey was self-employed as a fishing guide for the past eight years and had led three to four trips per week during that period.
In April 2018, investigators observed Bailey’s work as a fishing guide. Investigators were able to see Bailey completing tasks that he said he was unable to do. Bailey exhibited mental acuity inconsistent with his earlier professed mental limitations. Bailey admitted he received disability benefits to which he was not entitled.
Bailey was indicted by a federal grand jury in July, and he entered a guilty plea in January.
U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing. The case was investigated by the Inspector General and Social Security Administration, working jointly with the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Secret Service, and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Driver prosecuted the case.