Bridgeport Man Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Social Security Benefits

A Bridgeport man has been sentenced to prison for stealing over $111,000 in Social Security benefits meant for his deceased father, officials announced on Thursday.

According to court documents, Adolfo Vargas, 43, of Bridgeport, illegally received Social Security Administration monthly Retirement and Survivor Insurance benefit payments between 2006 and 2019. Vargas’ father lawfully received the benefits, but after his death in 2006, Vargas continued to access the account, making ATM cash withdrawals, personal debit transactions, and personal online purchases.

The total amount stolen from the Social Security Administration was approximately $111,000, with Vargas using the account to make withdrawals and purchases over the course of 13 years. Vargas pleaded guilty to one count of theft of public funds on March 29, 2021.

U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant sentenced Vargas to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The judge also ordered Vargas to pay $93,092 in restitution.

Vargas is currently free on a $100,000 bond and is required to report to prison on August 25, 2021. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Keefe prosecuted the matter.

The case highlights the importance of reporting changes in benefit recipients to the Social Security Administration to prevent theft and ensure that benefits are received by those who are eligible.

Defendant: Adolfo Vargas, 43, of Bridgeport, CT

Criminal Charge: Theft of public funds (one count)

City and State: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Crime Date: Between 2006 and 2019

Sentence: 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by three years of supervised release; $93,092 in restitution

Dollar Amount: Approximately $111,000

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