Fargo Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money from the Social Security Administration

U.S. Attorney's Office, District of North Dakota

United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Zachary Paul Femling, age 34, from Fargo, North Dakota, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland to a felony charge of Theft of Government Property for stealing $52,176 from the Social Security Administration.

According to court documents, from August 10, 2021, to January 31, 2026, Femling falsely obtained his deceased relative’s Social Security Administration Disability Insurance Benefits. During the four-and-a-half-year period, Femling did not inform the Social Security Administration of his relative’s death and stole a total of $52,176.

Sentencing in this case is scheduled for January 11, 2027, at 9:00 a.m. in Bismarck before District Judge Daniel L. Hovland.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration—Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan J. O’Konek.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.