Man admits stealing Social Security benefits

A former Kalispell man admitted on Thursday to taking unwarranted Social Security benefits.

Varley Jay Sanford, 41, of Ashton, Idaho, pleaded guilty to felony theft in Flathead District Court as part of a plea agreement in which one felony count of tampering with witnesses or informants was dismissed.

According to court documents, in July 2010 Sanford made a claim to be the personal representative payee for his two children’s Social Security benefits.

An investigation was opened and in December 2015 Sanford admitted receiving benefits for his children while they were not in his care from July 2010 until October 2011. The benefits totaled $12,788.

Authorities had claimed that Sanford contacted one of the children to try to get him or her to recant testimony given to the investigator. The child reported being threatened by the contact.

A sentencing hearing was set for Dec. 15.