NEW ORLEANS – A Gramercy woman was indicted for theft of public money for receiving Social Security benefits that were intended for her father.

Sheila Morris, 61, was charged Thursday in a one-count Federal Grand Jury indictment, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Jim Letten’s office.

According to the indictment, Morris’ father was a qualified recipient of Social Security benefits. Following her father’s death in October 1994 and continuing through September 2011, Morris continued to negotiate receipt of checks from the U.S. Treasury made payable to her father. In some cases, Morris forged her father’s signature on checks and documents.

The indictment charges that, in total, Morris stole about $261,665 in Social Security funds she was not entitled to.

If convicted, Morris faces a maximum prison term of 10 years, a fine of $250,000 and three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.

The case was investigated by Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hayden Brockett.