East Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Social Security Benefits

Leonard C Boyle, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOVON GAMBLE, 40, of East Haven, pleaded guilty today in Harford federal court to theft of public funds related to his illegal receipt of Social Security benefits.  

According to court documents and statements made in court, Gamble’s mother lawfully received Social Security Administration (“SSA”) monthly benefit payments.  Gamble’s mother died in June 2007.  The SSA was never informed her death and Gamble continued to access the SSA funds that were deposited into his mother’s account.  Between 2007 and 2017, the SSA deposited more than $88,000 into Gamble’s mother’s account.

Gamble is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea on August 6, 2021, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Gamble also has agreed to pay $88,150.78 in restitution.

Gamble is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena Coronado and Brendan Keefe.