NJ man cashed dead mom’s VA checks. How did he get away with it for so long? Jen Ursillo Published: October 2, 2025 Man defrauds U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs out of thousands of dollars in disability benefits (U.S. Attorney's Office/Canva)

💰 Mercer County man admits to stealing $256K in VA benefits over 17 years

💰 The man continued cashing checks after his mother died in 2008

💰 Faces up to 10 years in prison; sentencing set for January 2026

A Mercer County man has admitted to cheating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs out of more than $256,000 in benefits for years, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.

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The man, Mark Stratton, 67, of Lawrence, pleaded guilty on

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