By: Richard L. Smith
A Somerset County resident has confessed to stealing more than $600,000 in federal retirement benefits intended for his late father, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Steven Jones, 66, of Somerset, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to charges of converting federal funds.
The admission follows a nearly two-decade-long scheme to defraud federal agencies by concealing his father’s death.
Court documents and statements presented during the hearing revealed that Jones’ father had received federal retirement benefits until his death in October 2004.
Following his father’s passing, Jones deliberately falsified the death certificate to ensure the continued disbursement of benefits.
On at least two occasions, Jones arranged for someone to impersonate his deceased father during interactions with federal agencies, further perpetuating the illusion that his father was still alive.
The investigation uncovered that Jones illicitly collected payments from October 2004 until December 2023, resulting in the theft of over $600,000 in government funds.
Converting federal funds carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2025.
