A Tattnall County man is awaiting sentencing on federal charges after pleading guilty to cashing checks that weren’t intended for his use.

Meg Heap, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia reported last week that Danny Alan Guyton, age 53, of Reidsville, admitted to receiving Social Security disability checks bearing the name of his deceased father-in-law from June 2021 until April 2025. Guyton would convert the funds from the checks using ATM cash withdrawals or retail store purchases and then use the money for his own living expenses.

Guyton’s scheme is estimated to be worth approximately $60,170.00.

Norman Jenkins, Acting special Agent-in-charge of the Atlanta field Division of the Social Security Administration said, “Stealing benefits intended for vulnerable Americans by using the identity of a deceased individuals is unacceptable. We are committed to working with law enforcement to investigate those who fraudulently obtain Social Security funds and to protect the integrity of these vital programs for those who depend on them.”

Heap said Guyton is facing a statutory penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison along with assessed fines and a period of three years of supervision after his release. The penalty handed down to him to serve will be completed in incarceration as there is no parole in the federal prison system.