Saudia Shuler made a name for herself when the epic proms she threw for her children became viral sensations.
For her son, she threw a lavish $25,000 prom featuring with a Lambo and a camel, and for her daughter, Shuler created a prom send-off with a Black Panther theme. Her lavish parties earned her the nickname of "Prom Mom" across the internet.
Now her world of stunting has come crashing down.
According to Philadelphia's NBC 10, Shuler was indicted for allegedly accumulating almost $37,000 in government benefits through a disability claim despite continuing to work at her restaurant. Shuler faces six counts of wire fraud, one count of government fund theft and two counts of Social Security fraud.
"The defendant applied for benefits from the Social Security Administration, claiming she was disabled and unable to work. After Social Security approved benefits, the defendant continued working, including the operation of her own restaurant," a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office told NBC Philadelphia on Tuesday, August 14. "This work and income was never reported to Social Security, in violation of program rules."
“She said that she was disabled and in terms of assets said that she only had $30 in her bank account,” Beth Leahy, deputy chief of Health Care and Government Fraud for the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, told CBS Philadelphia. “As far as quality of life, she said she rarely made food for herself and had a cousin that cooked for her.”
Responding to the allegations, Shuler's lawyer, Tariq El-Shabazz, said, “Things are not always what they appear to be."
El-Shabazz said Shuler is heartbroken over the allegations and stressed she has yet to be convicted by the courts.
“These are just allegations,” he said, “Without any meat or any substance.”
In addition to the prom send-offs, Shuler drew attention for a Christmas party she threw at which she gave away hundreds of gifts to local children. At the time, she said she wanted to do something nice as a way of dealing with the traumas she'd faced, including the murder of her son's father and health issues.
“I had a stroke. I had seizures. I had cancer,” she said. “All within the last three years.”
If Shuler is found guilty, she will face a maximum prison sentence of 140 years with a period of supervised release. She will also be responsible for $36,785.67 in government restitution, a fine and a special assessment.
Now, check these out:
See How This North Philly Student Stunted With A Camel And A Lambo At His Prom
25 Glorious Prom Looks Have Us Wondering What These Teens Are Wearing On Their Wedding Day
