New Castle Woman Gets Probation With Home Detention For Stealing Sons' Social Security Benefits

PITTSBURGH – A Lawrence County woman was sentenced today in federal court to three years probation with five months home detention on her conviction of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Court Judge Donetta W. Ambrose imposed sentence upon Toni Ann Badger, 55, of New Castle, Pa.

According to information presented to the court, Badger converted to her own use the Supplemental Security Income benefits of her sons while acting as their representative payee. From July 1, 2005 to April 1, 2009, Badger converted benefits totaling $57,052.00, knowing that she was not entitled to such benefits.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Ambrose took into consideration the defendant's lack of criminal history and her acceptance of responsibility.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Special Agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, who conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Badger.