Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Social Security Benefits Delivered to Deceased Father

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADOLFO VARGAS, 43, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant in Hartford to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for illegally receiving Social Security benefits.  

 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Vargas’ father lawfully received Social Security Administration (“SSA”) monthly Retirement and Survivor Insurance benefit payments.  When Vargas’ father became ill, he gave Vargas access to his bank accounts so Vargas could make purchases on his behalf and take care of his affairs after his death.  Vargas’ father died in 2006, but the SSA was never informed of his death.  Between 2006 and 2019, the SSA deposited approximately $111,000 into Vargas’ father’s account.  During that time, Vargas used the account to make numerous ATM cash withdrawals, personal debit transactions and personal online purchases.

 

Judge Bryant ordered Vargas to pay $93,092 in restitution.

 

On March 29, 2021, Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds.

 

Vargas, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021.

 

This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe.