Altoona Woman Pleads Guilty To Converting Government Funds
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ Acting United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar announced that on August 5, 2010, Beverly D. Noel of Altoona, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of conversion of government funds.
Noel, age 46, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines advised the court that from July 2, 2004, to July 1, 2008, Noel falsely received and converted to her own use approximately $18,081.92, which represents 49 Supplemental Security income benefit payments made to her to which she was not entitled.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for December 2, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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.
The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Noel.
