ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) -- Mark Alan Barnes, of Candler, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Social Security benefits fraud.

According to court documents, from 2015 to 2020, Barnes collected approximately $77,770 in Social Security Retirement Benefits intended for a beneficiary who was deceased.

Instead of reporting the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration as required, Barnes continued to collect the beneficiary’s SSA retirement benefits, using a debit card associated with the beneficiary’s bank account to withdraw funds from ATMs in the area.

On Feb. 8, 2025, Barnes pleaded guilty to theft of government funds.

“Stealing Social Security benefits is stealing from every taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Fergu

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