Department of Justice charges 17 in $1.3 million Social Security fraud surge

The U.S. Department of Justice has charged 17 individuals in a monthlong enforcement surge targeting Social Security fraud. The operation, conducted by the National Fraud Enforcement Division, alleges that the defendants attempted to steal more than $1.3 million from retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income programs.

One notable case involves Eva Bratcher of Illinois, who is accused of assuming her deceased mother’s identity to collect Social Security and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Prosecutors allege Bratcher kept her mother’s body in a garage freezer for two years while collecting the funds.

Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald stated that these programs are intended to protect the elderly and vulnerable rather than bankroll fraudsters. The enforcement actions were part of a broader mandate to combat fraud within federal benefit programs.