Mark Stratton, Veteran Benefits Embezzlement, New Jersey 2024

TRENTON, N.J. – Mark Stratton, 67, of Lawrence Township, is facing serious time after admitting to a cold-blooded scheme to steal over $256,000 in benefits intended for veterans. The man exploited a system designed to help those who served, lining his own pockets after his mother – and the rightful recipient – passed away.

Stratton pleaded guilty on September 25, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch. He confessed to theft of public money, a charge carrying a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The feds say Stratton continued to cash checks meant for his late parents for nearly two decades, a brazen act of greed that finally caught up with him.

Here’s how the grift worked: Disability benefits were originally paid to Stratton’s father, then transferred to his mother after his death. These payments landed monthly in a joint account held by both parents. When Stratton’s mother died in 2008, the benefits *should* have stopped. Instead, Stratton kept the money flowing, making withdrawals for his personal use, and actively concealing his mother’s death from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Federal investigators, a joint task force from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of the Inspector General and the FBI, finally unraveled the scheme. Their meticulous work revealed that between 2008 and 2025, Stratton illegally pocketed approximately $256,027.00. That’s years of stolen funds, a direct insult to the veterans the program is meant to support.

Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba wasn’t holding back. She praised the work of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri of the VA-OIG and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI’s Newark field office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark is prosecuting the case. Stratton is scheduled to be sentenced on January 27, 2026. Don’t expect a light sentence; the feds are making an example out of this one.

Defense counsel for Stratton is Jonathan Marshall, Esq. Whether Marshall can argue for leniency remains to be seen, but the evidence is damning. Stratton’s actions are a stark reminder that exploiting programs meant for our veterans will not be tolerated. This is a betrayal of trust, and the Grimy Times will be watching closely when the judge hands down the sentence.

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