The U.S. Department of Justice announced the prison sentence for a woman convicted of stealing Social Security benefits. Below is the official statement from the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.
Vivina Barnwell, 62, Dade City, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody Jr. to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. Mr. Barnwell pled guilty on May 16, 2025. The court also ordered Mr. Barnwell to pay more than $96,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
According to court documents, Barnwell’s adult son, PC, was a recipient of Social Security disability benefits. The PC went missing in 2016 and remains missing. Despite reporting her missing to local police, Barnwell concealed her disappearance from the Social Security Administration, which continued to pay her monthly benefits using her PC’s debit card. Barnwell had control of the card and used it to withdraw and use the PC’s perks for himself.
“The intentional deception committed against the Social Security Administration in this case amounts to theft of taxpayer money,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This type of fraud will not be tolerated on federal programs.”
“Theft of Social Security benefits intended for another person is a terrible betrayal of trust. Mr. Barnwell’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit SSA programs for personal gain,” said Norman Jenkins, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our beneficiaries and ensure that funds meant to support people with disabilities are used for their care and well-being.”
The Justice Department’s efforts are supporting President Trump’s Anti-Fraud Task Force. The task force, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, is a government-wide effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
The National Fraud Enforcement Agency’s core mission is to diligently investigate and prosecute those who steal or misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Agency carries out its mission in coordination with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs. Efforts to combat fraud in partnership with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement agencies. Develop systems and processes to efficiently identify taxpayer fraud on their taxes. And we provide prosecutors and law enforcement with the cutting-edge tools and resources they need to bring criminals to justice.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the New Port Richey Police Department. The indictment was Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
