PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Butler County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Pattie Lou Smith, 56, of Connoquenessing, pleaded guilty to one count before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that when applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") benefits, Smith falsely reported that her husband was not part of her household, and, as a result, during the period December 30, 2013 through February 28, 2017, received $61,331.50 in SSI benefits to which she was not entitled.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for January 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Smith remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.

PITTSBURGH, PA – A Butler County resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges relating to theft of Social Security funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The two-count Indictment, returned on Nov. 27, named Pattie Lou Smith, 56, of Connoquenessing, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, between December 30, 2013 and February 28, 2017, Smith knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.00. In addition, over the same time period, Smith concealed and failed to disclose her husband’s continued presence in her household to the Social Security Administration, with the intent fraudulently to secure SSI benefits.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.