"The Funnyman" sentenced for faking mental illness to get benefits; Youtube videos foil pl
By ZACK McDONALD News Herald Reporter
PANAMA CITY , FL - A Jackson County man has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the federal government of more than $63,000 by faking a mental disorder.
Authorities discovered it was scheme though when they discovered online videos of him performing a comedy routine. Lynwood “The Funnyman” Williams, 53, was sentenced Monday to six months in prison for stealing $63,284 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
In October 2006, Williams applied for benefits by falsely claiming that he suffered from an organic brain disorder. He received funds until 2014, when authorities discovered Williams was not mentally disabled but rather a comedian, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney’s Office.
During interviews with Social Security Administration (SSA) officials, Williams pretended to be mentally disabled. He intentionally stuttered and acted as if had great difficulty forming words, the news release stated.
In one interview, Williams was accompanied by a person who, at Williams’ direction, falsely claimed to be Williams’ cousin. His “cousin” falsely said that Williams was unable to work because of his mental and speech limitations.
In a separate interview, another friend who was designated as Williams’ representative payee, falsely told SSA officials that Williams was so severely handicapped he could not take care of his daily needs and had to be supervised like a child.
However, at a personal appointment at the SSA office, a claims representative noted Williams walked with “what appeared to be a deliberate slow walk and acted as if he could not speak,” reports state. “When he did, he displayed a great effort in formulating words, but his difficulty did not seem … to be genuine.”
The SSA then discovered YouTube videos in 2014 of Williams performing comedy routines that clearly showed he did not suffer from a mental or speech impairment. Postings on Facebook also indicated that Williams did lawn work, pressure washing, and painting when he was not working as a comedian.
Williams, of Greenhead, pleaded guilty Sept. 1 in the U.S. District Court. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay $56,287 in restitution to the SSA, and $6,997 in restitution to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.
Williams had been performing as “The Funnyman” — a Christian comedian who performed at several venues, including the Jackson County Fairgrounds — for most of the time he was receiving benefits.
In one video, he claims to be available for weddings, banquets, family reunions, fundraisers and Christian-based events. “I don’t do funerals,” he said.