Butler County Woman Fraudulently Obtained School Loans
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Harrisville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of mail fraud, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.
Kelly Ann Burdette, a/k/a Kelly Montifiori, a/k/a Kelly Sturgis, 44, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Burdette fraudulently obtained student loans from private lenders in the name of a relative. Burdette forged her relative's name on the loan applications and proceeds checks.
Judge Schwab scheduled sentencing for March 30, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, 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.
Pending sentencing, the court continued the defendant on bond.
Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.
