Connecticut Man Admits Making False Statements to Federal Agents Investigating Social Security Fraud

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that GARY WIEGMAN, 53, of Norwalk, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to one count of being an accessory after the fact to theft of government property.  The charge stems from WIEGMAN’s false statements to federal agents investigating his brother’s illegal receipt of their mother’s Social Security benefits after she had died.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2002, WIEGMAN’s mother, who had been receiving Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefit and Widow’s Benefit payments, died in her residence.  From December 2002 until April 2010, Paul Wiegman, GARY WIEGMAN’s brother, received and used a total of $90,188 in Social Security benefit payments that had been deposited into his mother’s bank account.

On May 17, 2010, during an interview with Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, special agents who were investigating Paul Wiegman’s theft of Social Security benefits, GARY WIEGMAN told the agents that his mother was alive when he knew that she was dead.

Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for November 30, 2012, at which time GARY WIEGMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to $125,000.

On July 20, 2012, Paul Wiegman pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property.  He awaits sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Felice Duffy.