James J. Doran, Stealing Social Security Benefits, Texas 2023

LAREDO, Texas – In a shocking case of financial corruption, a 54-year-old Border Patrol supervisor has been found guilty of stealing his deceased grandmother’s Social Security benefits.

James J. Doran, a high-ranking official in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, entered a guilty plea to stealing his grandmother’s widow’s benefits, which were being deposited into their joint bank account.

According to court documents, Doran failed to report his grandmother’s death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) in February 2000. After her passing, he continued to negotiate his grandmother’s monthly benefits, collecting a total of $108,516 in Social Security benefits to which he was not legally entitled.

The SSA - Office of Inspector General, along with the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and the Bureau of Vital Statistics Fraud Unit, conducted an investigation into the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher A. dos Santos is prosecuting the case, which is set to go to trial in the coming months.

Doran was permitted to remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing, which will be held at a later date before Senior U.S. District Judge Kazen.

At the time of sentencing, Doran will face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine for his crimes.

The case highlights the brazen nature of financial corruption within the U.S. government and the need for increased accountability among public officials.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/border-patrol-supervisor-guilty-stealing-social-security-benefits