Four People In SWFL Charged With Stealing Social Security Benefits

"Operation Dead Ringer" is an operation that focused on Social Security fraud. 12 people in Florida, 4 of which are from Southwest Florida, were charged with taking up 700,000 in Social Security benefits from deceased beneficiaries. They can face up to 10 years in prison.

Jacque Rathburn, 64, of Punta Gorda, Madeline Caridad Ifrim, 61, and Marian Ifrim, 53, both of Fort Myers, Robert Lee West Jr., 71, of Fort Myers, were the 4 Southwest Floridians that were taken down as part of this operation.

Gail S. Ennis, inspector general of Social Security said, “As these charges demonstrate, stealing from SSA on behalf of a deceased beneficiary is a federal crime. We work closely with SSA and other government agencies to identify Social Security fraud and stop improper payments, I thank the United States Attorney’s Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Huyler for their continuing support and assistance in bringing these individuals to justice.”

Written by Donald Anderson