Fargo Man Pleaded Guilty to Social Security Theft
Zachary Paul Femling admitted to stealing over $52,000 in benefits by failing to report a relative's death.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Zachary Paul Femling of Fargo has pleaded guilty to theft of government property after misappropriating $52,176 in Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. The 34-year-old defendant obtained the funds by failing to notify the Social Security Administration of a relative's death.
Why it matters
The case highlights the federal government's ongoing enforcement efforts against the misuse of Social Security funds. By failing to report the death of a beneficiary, individuals commit significant financial fraud that drains taxpayer-funded support systems.
Zachary Paul Femling entered a guilty plea following an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. United States District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland will preside over the sentencing proceedings.
The players
Zachary Paul Femling
He is a 34-year-old Fargo resident who pleaded guilty to stealing Social Security benefits.
Daniel L. Hovland
He is a United States District Court judge assigned to oversee the legal proceedings for this case.
Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General
This federal agency is responsible for investigating fraud and abuse within the Social Security program.
The details
Femling continued to collect payments belonging to a deceased relative between August 2021 and January 2026. The investigation confirmed that he failed to report the death, allowing the fraudulent payments to continue for over four years.
Timeline
The theft of benefits began on August 10, 2021.
The illicit activity concluded on January 31, 2026.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027.
Legal Context
This case follows the standard prosecution patterns established under federal statutes targeting the misuse of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Authorities consistently target those who fail to report changes in eligibility, aiming to deter the widespread theft of public assets.
While this case does not necessitate immediate changes to local security, it serves as a reminder of the strict federal oversight regarding benefit eligibility. Residents should be aware that unauthorized access to government funds leads to federal prosecution.
The takeaway
This case serves as a warning that failure to report beneficiary deaths to the Social Security Administration carries severe legal consequences. Accurate and timely reporting remains the primary obligation for individuals managing benefits on behalf of relatives.
What happens next
The court has scheduled sentencing for Zachary Paul Femling for January 11, 2027, in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to address financial crime in the region.
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