Industry Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Receiving Social Security Benefits

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

David Tindell, 53, of Industry, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in or around January 2005, to in or around March 2014, Tindell unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in the amount of approximately $70,654.80.

Judge Fischer scheduled sentencing for Dec. 4, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 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.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Tindell 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 Tindell.