PITTSBURGH, Pa. ‑ A resident of Avella, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of theft of government property and providing false writings or documents to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The five-count indictment, returned on July 19, named Christine Miller, 49, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Miller knowingly stole and converted to her own use money, in excess of $1,000, belonging to the Social Security Administration.  The indictment further charges that Miller knowingly submitted false documents to the government on four occasions.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,250,000, or both.  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.

Assistant United States Attorney Lee J. Karl is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment or information is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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