SEYMOUR, Ind. — A Seymour attorney, Stephen Pierson, has been suspended from practicing law by the state for his alleged role in a welfare fraud case. The suspension for the former Jackson County prosecutor will begin November 6.
A Family and Social Services Administration investigation determined Pierson paid an office worker, Teresa Cantu, in cash so she could continue to receive food stamps and medical coverage for herself and her children. Pierson was charged in July with felony aiding, inducing or causing welfare fraud. Cantu was charged with felony perjury. Investigators found $6,526.47 in fraudulent benefits had been collected by Cantu. Both go on trial November 29 in Jackson County.
The Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission handed down the decision based on the criminal charges and a 2015 impairment complaint filed by Jackson Superior Court Judge Bruce MacTavish.
Former employees of Pierson and others who shared the office space allege he had represented them in injury cases and did not properly transfer settlement funds. Pierson has rejected the allegations.
Pierson reportedly has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is participating in an experimental medication study. The blind study includes some people who receive the medication while others receive a placebo.
