Thibodaux Man Guilty of Social Security Theft

NEW ORLEANS - U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that NATHANIEL HOPKINS, JR. ("HOPKINS"), age 48, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Jay Zainey to Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641.

According to court documents, HOPKINS's wife was authorized to receive Social Security Administration ("SSA") Title II - Retirement Survivor Insurance Benefits from 2003 until her death in April, 2014. From April, 2014 to January, 2024, HOPKINS illegally received benefits designated for his wife totaling approximately $144,176.43, after failing to notify SSA of his wife's death.

Sentencing will occur on January 29, 2025. At sentencing, HOPKINS faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.