David Darling, 59, of Johnson City, NY was arraigned today in Binghamton, NY before United States Magistrate Judge Miroslav Lovric on a multiple count indictment including access device fraud, theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. An Albany grand jury indicted Darling on September 3, 2026. This action is part of an ongoing effort of the Trump Administration’s Fraud Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud across the country.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in- Charge, Boston-New York-Philadelphia Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG) made the announcement.
First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “As alleged in the indictment, this defendant used an unauthorized ATM card to withdraw funds intended for a deceased beneficiary for nearly six years, resulting in a Social Security program loss of over $109,000. My office is committed to prosecuting those that steal from Social Security and who deny resources intended for living beneficiaries who genuinely rely on public assistance.”
“This case reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of Social Security programs and safeguarding the benefits meant for those who truly need them,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York-Philadelphia Field Division. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and stop those who seek to exploit these vital resources.”
The charges filed against Darling carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison for access device fraud, 10 years in prison for theft of government property, and a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison for aggravated identity theft, fines of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. Darling may also be ordered to pay restitution to the government. In addition, the government is seeking forfeiture of $109,746.00 lost due to the fraud in this case. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
SSA-OIG is investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Arne Soldwedel is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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