A federal jury in St. Croix has delivered a guilty verdict against David Leopold Huber, age 35, for stealing government property in the form of Social Security benefits, a U.S. Department of Justice announcement reports. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Huber illegally transferred Social Security funds, intended for his deceased mother, into his own personal bank account after her death, using the money for various personal expenses.

Stolen over a span of nearly four years, starting after his mother's death on August 9, 2016, until the Social Security Administration (SSA) ceased payments in July 2020, Huber's theft amounted to approximately $47,952. Having not been notified of the beneficiary’s death, the SSA continued depositing funds into a joint account held by Huber and his mother. It was from this account he rerouted the money for his own use, as detailed by the court proceedings.

Roger B. Handberg, the United States Attorney handling the case, states that Huber is facing up to 10 years in federal prison with his sentencing scheduled for December 11. The conviction highlights the ongoing challenges faced by federal agencies in preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of vital assistance programs.

Investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, this case falls into a wider effort to monitor and prosecute benefit fraud. Prosecution was led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.