Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Brother’s Social Security Disability Payments

On Wednesday a Kansas City, Missouri, man plead guilty to aggravated identity theft and mail fraud before U.S. District Judge Ortrie D. Smith. Prosecutors say the man, aged 66, stole more than $300,000 in Social Security Disability payments from the government by using his dead brother’s identity.

According to an investigation by the Social Security Administration–Office of Inspector General, the man used his late brother’s Social Security number to get Social Security Disability payments in his own name, all the while concealing that he had a job as a school bus driver and was earning an income. The man also committed fraud by using his brother’s identity to receive Social Security payments.

In addition, the man has been receiving Social Security Disability payments under his own name and Social Security number for more than 30 years. This is because he had part of his lower left leg amputated in 1980.

The man faces a minimum of two years in federal prison without parole with the possibility of a 22-year sentence without parole. He will also likely pay a $250,000 fine and restitution.

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If you need help with your Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin may be able to help.