HELENA, MT — A federal jury convicted Nena Helene Siemens, also known as Nena Suzanne Kruger, 59, on charges related to fraudulently receiving government assistance. The jury found Siemens guilty of two counts of false statement or representation made to a U.S. department or agency, and one count of theft of government money. She faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the four-day trial that began on Sept. 26, and set the sentencing date for March 6, 2024.
According to prosecutors, Siemens falsely reported her financial status to qualify for benefits through Montana’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. She claimed to have $1,500 in her bank accounts, no employment, and no income. In reality, Siemens lived with Dale Kruger, operated a business in Washington, and had access to multiple bank accounts with significant deposits.
Siemens never disclosed her actual living conditions, income, or the business she owned, Evergreen Dive Service, to state officials. She also received monthly rent from a property she co-owned and made large purchases, including a $70,000 tractor and a $31,000 travel trailer, while claiming to have no income. Between 2018 and 2020, she had a monthly income exceeding $10,000, which she did not disclose.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Kakuk and Jeffrey K. Starnes, as well as investigators from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. “Siemens’ actions took away vital resources from those truly in need. Today, the jury held her accountable,” Laslovich said.