TOPEKA – (October 5, 2026) –Kansas Inspector Steven D. Anderson today announced the sentencing of Simon Flores-Torres for aggravated identity theft.
He was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $97,095.98 to Kansas Medicaid, $24,263.00 to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and $95,811.00 to the Social Security Administration.
"Today's sentencing sends a strong message that schemes to defraud the Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security Disability programs will not be tolerated," stated Steven D. Anderson, Kansas Inspector General. "The Office of Inspector General will continue to work cooperatively with our law enforcement partners to aid in the identification and prosecution of individuals engaged in these types of crimes."
Flores-Torres devised and executed a scheme to defraud the United States and the state of Kansas by obtaining public assistance benefits by assuming the identity of a deceased U.S. citizen. Flores-Torres used the stolen identity to obtain Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), SNAP benefits, and medical benefits under the Kansas Medicaid program.
In September 2024, Flores-Torres requested a U.S. passport in someone else's name. He provided a Kansas driver's license and Social Security card with the victim's stolen information as part of the application. Investigators determined the U.S. citizen died in 2015.
Flores-Torres was prosecuted in the U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, by Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Smith. The case was jointly investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Kansas Department of Revenue, and the Kansas Attorney General's Office - Kansas Office of Inspector General.
Under Kansas law (K.S.A. 75-7427(k)(1), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) is required to establish mechanism for receiving reports of fraud, waste, abuse, or illegal acts these programs from any individual with relevant information.
To report suspected fraud, waste, abuse, or illegal acts involving cash, food, or health assistance programs, citizens may use the online form at the link above or call 785-296-5050.
