Brackenridge Woman Used Social Security Benefits of Minor She Claimed Lived with Her

PITTSBURGH – An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government property and false statements to the government, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Kristyn Mazinski, 47, of Brackenridge, Pa., pleaded guilty to three counts before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between Aug. 3, 2011, and April 3, 2013, Mazinski converted to her own use Social Security benefits totaling $24,760 which she received on behalf of a minor for whose use and benefit the payments were intended. On two occasions, April 12, 2012, and April 25, 2013, Mazinski also made false statements to the government in which she advised that the minor resided with her, when in fact the minor did not reside with Mazinski.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for Jan. 20, 2016, at 2 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Mazinski on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Margaret E. Picking is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mazinski.