Somerset Man Stole Over $600k in Federal Benefits By Impersonating Dead Father

Steven Jones admitted to falsifying records and impersonating his deceased father for nearly two decades.

Steven Jones, 66, of Somerset, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing over $600,000 in federal benefits intended for his late father, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jones admitted to the long-running scheme during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton.

Jones was charged with conversion of government funds, a crime that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 21, 2025.

Scheme Spanned Nearly 20 Years

According to court documents and statements, Jones’s father, a recipient of federal retirement benefits, passed away in October 2004. Rather than report the death, Jones falsified his father’s death certificate to keep the benefits flowing. On at least two occasions, Jones had an accomplice impersonate his deceased father in interactions with federal agencies to ensure payments continued.

The scheme unraveled after investigators discovered Jones had collected benefits unlawfully from October 2004 through December 2023, totaling more than $600,000.

Federal Investigation

The investigation was led by special agents of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Y. Zuckier of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Unit in Newark is representing the government in the case.

This case highlights the lengths to which federal agencies work to identify and address fraud targeting government resources. Jones remains in custody pending sentencing.