Grant County man convicted of embezzling more than $100,000 in government benefits

ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – John Fitsgerald Kimble, 52, of, Petersburg, West Virginia, was convicted today of unlawfully collecting more than $100,000 in government benefits, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Kimble’s wife passed away in April 2003. Kimble began to collect Title II Social Security and Widow with Child benefits from the Social Security Administration. He was entitled to receive these benefits so long as the couple’s surviving child lived with him. In May 2003, Kimble transferred custody of the child to a relative. As a result, Kimble was no longer entitled to collect the aforementioned government benefits. Between 2003 and 2013, Kimble unlawfully collected $184,814 in social security benefits. 
 
Kimble pled guilty today to one count of “Theft of Government Money.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.