Former Altoona Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Benefit Payments
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ A former resident of Altoona, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of conversion of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Robert R. Gill, Sr., 54, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from Nov. 2004 through April 2009, Gill converted to his own use 54 Supplemental Security Income benefit payments totaling $49,840 he was not entitled to.
Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 21, 2010, at 11 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Valkovci, Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Office of Inspector General of the Social Security Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gill.
