Crime & Safety
Bridgeport Man Stole Social Security Benefits: Feds
Adolfo Vargas has pleaded guilty to charges that he used Social Security benefits that went into his deceased father's bank account.
BRIDGEPORT, CT — A Bridgeport man has pleaded guilty to stealing public funds related to illegal receipt of Social Security benefits, according to a statement from Leonard C. Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Adolfo Vargas, 43, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced June 23.
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.
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He faces up to 10 years in prison. Vargas also has agreed to pay $93,092 in restitution.
He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
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