Blair County Man Sentenced for Stealing U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Disability Payments

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Roaring Springs, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three years’ probation with conditions of 180 days of home detention, and restitution due and owing to the United States Railroad Retirement Board in the amount of $50,985.21, on his conviction of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence upon Glenn P. Rhykerd, 69.

According to information presented to the court, from Jan. 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, Rhykerd did receive and convert falsely to his own use a total of $50,985.21 in United States Railroad Retirement Board disability payments made to him to which he was not entitled.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Mr. Brady commended the United States Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Rhykerd.

RRB-OIG Inspector General Martin J. Dickman said: "Lying in disability applications is a serious crime that honest taxpayers cannot abide, and that the RRB-OIG will aggressively continue to root out. Through our ongoing investigation, we will continue to hold accountable those who would abuse a system that is meant for legitimately disabled workers who have served our nation’s railroads. I would like to thank the agents from my Office for their outstanding work on this investigation, as well as our law enforcement partners at the United States Attorney’s Office.