Man Steals Federal Benefits Meant for Missing Girlfriend’s Disabled Son

Asmar Earp admitted to wire fraud and identity theft after misappropriating funds intended for a disabled child following the mother’s disappearance in 2017; the mother's disappearance remains unsolved.

A Newark man has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for stealing Social Security benefits intended for his missing girlfriend’s disabled son and for violating the conditions of a prior supervised release, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Asmar Earp, 37, of Essex County, was sentenced to 38 months for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and an additional 8 months for the supervised release violation. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin at the federal courthouse in Newark.

Earp pleaded guilty to three charges, including two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, admitting to a scheme that exploited federal aid meant to support a vulnerable minor.

According to court records and proceedings, Earp was living in Newark with a woman identified as V.W., who received monthly Social Security benefits on behalf of her disabled son, referred to in court documents as Victim-1. The child was legally incapable of managing the benefits on his own. On December 24, 2017, V.W. was reported missing and has not been located since.

Within a week of her disappearance, Earp changed the personal identification number on the debit card linked to the benefits account, thereby gaining access to the funds. Later, in March and April 2018, he used V.W.’s personal information—including her name, date of birth, and Social Security number—to fraudulently obtain a replacement card. The fraudulent withdrawals and misuse of funds continued from December 2017 through February 2020, involving both Earp and individuals acting under his direction.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office under Acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel H. Rosenblum of the Narcotics and OCDETF Unit in Newark prosecuted the case.

Authorities have not released new information regarding the whereabouts of V.W., whose disappearance remains unresolved.