Glen Hazel Woman Charged With Using $70K In Benefits Intended To Support Her Children

PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government property and false statements to retain Supplemental Security Income Benefits, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The three-count indictment, returned on May 12, named Taisha Teresa Elmore, 35.

According to indictment, Elmore converted to her own use more than $70,000 of Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI) that were intended for her minor children. She also made false statements to the Social Security Administration by indicating that certain minor children were living with her when they were not and that she was using SSI benefits for their care and support when she was not.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison as to Count One and up to five years in prison as to Counts Two and Three, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, or both imprisonment and a fine. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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.