Grove City Man Admits He Took His Dead Mother’s Social Security Benefits

PITTSBURGH -- A Mercer County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Alexander Viskovatoff, 57, of Grove City, PA, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in and around January 2011, through in and around September 2012, Viskovatoff converted to his own use approximately $38,000 in funds of the Social Security Administration that had been intended to be benefits for his deceased mother.

Judge Bissoon scheduled sentencing for March 17, 2016, at 2:15 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shardul S. Desai 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 Viskovatoff.