NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A Newport News man has pleaded guilty to theft of government property after admitting he stole nearly $63,000 in Social Security benefits from his deceased neighbor’s account.
According to court documents, 62-year-old Alonzo Darren McClary began serving as the power of attorney for his elderly neighbor on July 5, 2018, allowing him to make financial decisions if the neighbor became incapacitated or died. While the neighbor was alive, McClary occasionally withdrew funds to assist with expenses.
After the neighbor died on Feb. 20, 2020, the Social Security Administration continued depositing benefits into the neighbor’s bank account. Instead of notifying the agency of the death, McClary continued withdrawing money for his personal use…