Oklahoma Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Dead Grandfather’s Social Security Benefits for 27 Years

May 9, 2011

On Friday, an Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, man entered a guilty plea in federal court for making false statements and stealing 27 years worth of Social Security benefits that were assigned to his late step-grandfather. When he is sentenced, the man faces up to ten years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine and restitution.

Federal prosecutors allege that the 59-year-old stole a total of $330,000 in benefits; however, the man only plead guilty to stealing $78,945 because his attorney argued that the statue of limitations extends back five years.

In addition to theft, the man plead guilty to three counts of making false statements to the Social Security Administration—for maintaining that the Social Security payments were being spent on food, clothing, housing and medical costs for his step-grandfather.

Why do you think it’s so easy for some to commit Social Security fraud, but hard for others to receive Social Security benefits when they qualify?

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