Vallas Paul Bell, Social Security Theft, West Virginia 2024

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Hurricane man has been sentenced to five years of probation for stealing thousands of dollars from his deceased mother's Social Security account.

Vallas Paul Bell, 31, of Hurricane, West Virginia, withdrew over $24,000 from his mother's checking account at City National Bank using a debit card after her death.

For over a year and a half, Bell used the money for his own personal expenses, according to court documents.

The Social Security payments for Bell's mother were deposited in her account after her passing, but Bell had access to the money due to his status as a beneficiary.

Assistant United States Attorneys Blair L. Malkin and Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.

As part of his sentence, Judge Thomas Johnston ordered Bell to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration, which means he will have to repay the stolen funds in full.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and monitoring financial accounts for any suspicious activity, especially in cases of a loved one's passing.

Vallas Paul Bell's case is a stark example of the devastating consequences of theft and the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdwv/pr/hurricane-man-gets-probation-stealing-more-24000-social-security