Brookline Man Pleads Guilty To Defrauding State Welfare Department

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Pittsburgh resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kamil Al-Rifai, 56, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Feb. 9, 2012, and continuing to on or about Jan. 14, 2013, Al-Rifai defrauded the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare when he misrepresented that his dependent mother was residing at his home in his application for benefits.

Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for Aug. 22, 2013. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 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(s) and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney James T. Kitchen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kamil Al-Rifai.