Santa Ana Couple Accused Of Faking Husband's Death To Collect Benefits

Suspects Lucio Rodriguez (left) and Rosa Carrasco right). AP Photos/Orange County Sheriff's Dept.

In 2004 a Santa Ana couple allegedly conspired to fake the husband's death to claim Social Security and union benefits. Lucio Rodriguez, 52, and wife Rosa Carrasco, 53, were taken into custody on Monday by investigators on suspicion of fraud, grand theft, theft of Social Security benefits and burglary, according to The OC Register.

For the past seven years, Rodriguez has been known as Santiago Carrasco and working as a truck driver in Fontana. Rodriguez worked previously as a truck driver before he "died" of heart failure in Michoacan, Mexico.

The couple has reportedly collected over $500,000 in benefits since 2004 and obtained a death certificate from Michoacan.

"They did admit to paying Mexican officials to obtain a death certificate," said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators believe that the couple continued living in Santa Ana after their stunt, though Rodriguez later moved to Fontana to be closer to work.

Carrasco worked at the South Coast Plaza Macy's and was taken into custody during her workday.