BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - An ex-Social Security Administration worker has been sentenced to 70 months in prison in an identity theft scheme.
Officials say Manuel Chaney III - worked at the Bessemer Social Security Administration office - used records to identify people who had recently died and funneled their social security benefits into his own bank account.
WTVM-TV reported Friday that Chaney used the account to make online payments for his car, utility bills and credit cards. Authorities say Chaney stole about $325,000 in the scheme.
Chaney was ordered to pay more than $40,800 in restitution and must forfeit more than $175,500 to the government.