Federal Jury Convicts Deltona Man Of Theft Of Government Funds

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury today found Bobby Morlen (54, Deltona) guilty of two counts of theft of government funds. Morlen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2020.

Morlen had been indicted on September 11, 2019.

According to evidence presented at trial, Morlen’s mother was receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). She died on August 18, 2014. The death of Morlen’s mother was not reported to the SSA or the VA, and the agencies continued to make benefit payments into her bank account. Morlen was a joint account holder on the account into which his mother’s benefits were being deposited. He used the funds deposited by the SSA and the VA after her death for his own personal expenses.

The total loss the SSA and the VA in this case is approximately $140,670.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.