Vivina Barnwell, a 62-year-old resident of Dade City, was sentenced on Apr. 6 to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. handed down the sentence after Barnwell pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025. She was also ordered to pay more than $96,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
The case highlights concerns about fraud targeting federal benefit programs and the misuse of taxpayer funds intended for vulnerable individuals.
According to court documents, Barnwell’s adult son was receiving Social Security disability benefits when he went missing in 2016 and remains unaccounted for. Although she reported his disappearance to local police, Barnwell did not inform the Social Security Administration and continued using her son’s debit card to withdraw monthly benefit payments for her own use.
“The intentional deception perpetrated against the Social Security Administration in this case constitutes theft of taxpayers’ dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Such fraud will not be tolerated against our federal programs.”
Norman Jenkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge at the Atlanta Field Division of the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG), said: “Stealing Social Security benefits intended for another is an egregious betrayal of trust. Ms. Barnwell’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit SSA programs for personal gain… We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect beneficiaries and ensure that funds meant to support disabled individuals are used for their care and well-being.”
The Department of Justice noted that its efforts align with President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud—a government-wide initiative chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance—aimed at reducing waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General along with the New Port Richey Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
