Bridgeport Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Social Security Benefits Of Dead Father

By Tiffany Williams –

On Monday, Adolfo Vargas, 43, of Bridgeport, pleaded guilty via video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez to theft of public funds related to his illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.

Vargas’ father lawfully received Social Security Administration monthly Retirement and Survivor Insurance benefit payments.  When Vargas’ father became ill, he gave Vargas access to his bank accounts so Vargas could make purchases on his behalf and take care of his affairs after his death.

Vargas’ father died in 2006, but the SSA was never informed of his death.  Between 2006 and 2019, the SSA deposited approximately $111,000 into Vargas’ father’s account.  During that time, Vargas used the account to make numerous ATM cash withdrawals, personal debit transactions and personal online purchases.

Vargas is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on June 23, 2021.