Philadelphia Man Charged With Stealing Benefits

John Bernhardt, 30, of Philadelphia, PA, was charged by information with one count of theft of Government funds and one count of social security fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.  The information alleges that between June 2010 and October 2012, John Bernhardt implemented a scheme to receive and convert to his own use disability insurance benefits intended for the use of another, for over two years, resulting in total losses to the government of approximately $27,191.

If convicted, Bernhardt faces a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and restitution of $27,191.  

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Moshang III.

Click here to view the indictment

An Information is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525