Florida Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison For Stealing His Twin Brother’s Identity to Obtain Veteran Benefits

A Florida man has admitted stealing his twin brother’s identity.

Earlier this week, the courts sentenced Wayne Bowen, 64, to two years in federal prison for obtaining tens of thousands of dollars in military veterans benefits by impersonating his brother. Bowen must pay $63,773 in restitution as part of his plea agreement.

In January, Bowen pled guilty to aggravated identity theft after obtaining an ID card using his twin brother’s identity. He applied for government-subsidized housing assistance for veterans using his brother’s name, Social Security card, and military discharge documents.

Officials stated that the US Department of Veterans Affairs gave Bowen approximately $32,434 in medical services after filing the fake documents. Additionally, Bowen received $18,905 in housing subsidies from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as $12,434 in nutritional benefits from the US Department of Agriculture.

Bowen Admitted to exploiting his twin brother’s identity for years.

According to reports, his brother, who lives in another state, never permitted him to use his identity and that he had never sought the benefits described.