Bridgeport Man Sentenced In Social Security Fraud Case: Feds

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport man has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for stealing social security benefits delivered to his deceased father, according to a statement from federal prosecutors. Adolfo Vargas, 43, will also serve three years of supervised release and pay $93,092 in restitution.

According to prosecutors, Vargas' father was receiving Social Security benefits. When he became sick, he gave Vargas access to his bank account so Vargas could make purchases for him and take care of affairs following his death.

Vargas' father died in 2006, but the Social Security Administration was never informed of his death. From 2006 to 2019, Vargas' father received about $111,000 in benefits. Vargas used that money to make numerous ATM cash withdrawals, personal debit transactions and personal online purchases, according to prosecutors.

He pleaded guilty in March to one count of theft of public funds.

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