Man Stole Over $110K In Benefits From Disabled Brother: Feds

A Burlington County man has admitted that he stole $110,495 in social security benefits intended for his disabled brother, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced. Steven Mitchell, 43, of Marlton, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with one count of theft of government funds.

Before 2010, Mitchell’s brother — who wasn’t identified by authorities — was receiving Disabled Adult Child Survivor benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), according to documents filed in the case and statements made in court. After their mother died in 2009, Mitchell became his brother’s representative in the program.

The money received from the SSA was supposed to pay for his brother’s care at a facility run by the N.J. Division of Developmental Disabilities. Mitchell was supposed to provide Prince Association for the Developmentally Disabled, which is part of the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities, with 75 percent of his brother’s survivor benefits to pay for his brother’s care and maintenance at the facility.

While Mitchell was the representative payee, the SSA paid benefits into his brother’s bank account. Mitchell admitted that instead of paying for his brother’s care, he used that money on himself, authorities said. This included paying for Mitchell’s utilities, food and car payments.

The total amount Mitchell stole between February 2010 and April 2017 was $110,495, according to authorities. He faces 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 15.

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