ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Mark Alan Barnes, 44, of Candler, N.C., was today sentenced to 16 months in prison for Social Security benefits fraud, with three years of supervised release to follow, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Court documents reveal that from 2015 to 2020, Barnes collected nearly $78,000 intended for a deceased beneficiary’s Social Security Retirement Benefits. Instead of notifying the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the recipient’s demise as legally required, Barnes fraudulently continued to withdraw funds using the deceased’s SSA account and ATM card.
Barnes pleaded guilty on February 8, 2025, to theft of government funds. “Stealing Social Security benefits is stealing from every taxpayer,” Ferguson emphasized. “Benefits must go only to those who earned them, not fraudsters. I commend the SSA for their partnership in holding these criminals accountable.”
Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration, stated, “Mr. Barnes’ actions were a deliberate scheme to steal from vital benefit programs. We thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their crucial role in bringing him to justice.”
This investigation was conducted by the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General. The case is part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in North Carolina’s Western District to deter fraud and protect government funds relied upon by millions.
Eric Frick, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and SSA prosecutor, handled the prosecution. He serves as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, focusing on SSA fraud cases. To report suspected Social Security fraud, visit oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.
Related Federal Cases
- AI-Fueled Fraud: NC Man Admits to Streaming Scam · North Carolina
- Postal Worker’s $364K Mail Scam Lands Him in Prison · North Carolina
- Jones Tyler Martin, Hailey Tykoski Indicted in Marine Romance Scam · North Carolina
- Maurice Anthony Drummond Gets 75 Months for Diesel Fuel Scam · North Carolina
- Maurice Sessum Pleads Guilty in $31M Debt Collection Scam · North Carolina
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News