Candler Man Sentenced To Prison For Social Security Benefits Fraud

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Mark Alan Barnes, 44, of Candler, N.C., was sentenced today to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Social Security benefits fraud, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

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 (SSA) 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 February 8, 2025, Barnes pleaded guilty to theft of government funds.

“Stealing Social Security benefits is stealing from every taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson.  “For Social Security to work, benefits must go only to those who earned them—not fraudsters. I appreciate the strong partnership of the Social Security Administration in holding fraudsters accountable.”

“Mr. Barnes knowingly engaged in a scheme to steal Social Security benefits,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General, Social Security Administration. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, whose work is essential in holding accountable those who defraud vital benefit programs.”

The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General handled the investigation.

This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina to deter theft of government funds and bring to justice individuals who steal government benefits that millions of Americans rely on.

The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Eric Frick. Mr. Frick is a prosecutor with the Social Security Administration and is assigned to serve as a SAUSA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte, where he focuses on prosecuting SSA fraud cases. The SAUSA position is a reflection of the partnership between the SSA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

To report suspected fraud, waste, or abuse against Social Security, you can submit a report online at oig.ssa.gov or contact the SSA-OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.