JOHNSTOWN, Pa. ‑ A resident of Blandburg, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conversion of government funds.  He was then sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution of $11,623.60 to the Social Security Administration and $11,450 to the Department of Labor, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

United States District Court Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Lawrence Waite, 47.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Sept., 2, 2005, to Apr. 3, 2007, Waite falsely received and converted to his own use $13,037.60, which represented 20 separate Social Security Widow's benefit payments made to his mother, which Waite continued to receive after his mother's death.  Likewise, during the same time frame, Waite falsely received and converted to his own use $11,450, which represented 20 separate Black Lung Survivor benefit payments made to his mother, which Waite continued to receive after his mother's death.

Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Waite.

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