DOJ’s Fraud Division Uncovers $1.34M in Stolen Social Security Benefits in One Month Takedown, Including Fraudster Who Allegedly Hid Deceased Mother in Garage F
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Fraud Division dismantled a month-long crackdown on Social Security fraud, charging 17 defendants with stealing over $1.3 million in benefits intended for vulnerable Americans.
The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, alongside U.S. Attorneys in 11 districts and the SSA Office of Inspector General, announced charges against 17 defendants for allegedly defrauding Social Security programs of more than $1.3 million between August 21 and September 18. The cases targeted fraud in retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, with authorities emphasizing that stolen funds directly harm elderly and disabled beneficiaries. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald stated that every dollar diverted from these programs reduces support for critical needs like medication, meals, and housing.
Among the cases, Bratcher allegedly concealed her deceased mother’s body in a garage freezer for two years while fraudulently collecting her mother’s Social Security and SNAP benefits using the mother’s identity and an alternate Social Security number. Darling stole $109,746 from his deceased brother’s Social Security account by withdrawing funds from an ATM card the SSA continued to fund unknowingly. Reed exploited her father’s continued benefit payments for three years after his death, transferring the funds to herself or her daughter.
Whisenant, acting as a representative payee for her mentally disabled uncle, stole nearly $121 of his Social Security benefits over seven years while he lived in squalor without running water, electricity, or heat. Pace, serving as a representative payee for her disabled son, lied to the SSA about his living arrangements and misused $30,000 in benefits, including $6,000 that should have been used for his needs. The cases span multiple federal districts, with prosecutions led by local U.S. Attorney offices.
The enforcement surge follows the April 7 launch of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, created to investigate and prosecute fraud against federal benefit programs as part of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The division’s work aligns with broader federal efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse in programs designed to support vulnerable populations.