Mercer County Man Sentenced for Social Security Benefits Fraud

Erie, Pa. - A resident of Carlton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 5 years probation, 6 months home detention and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $92,928.00 on his conviction of theft of government property and social security fraud, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond imposed the sentence on David James Dean, 40, of Carlton, Pennsylvania.

According to information presented to the court, from on or about August 9, 2006 to on or about May 18, 2015, Dean knowingly stole approximately $28,097 in Social Security Survivor’s Benefits payments which he knew he was not entitled. In addition, from on or about August 9, 2006 to on or about July 8, 2015, after applying to receive SSA Child’s Insurance Benefits on behalf of a minor child, Dean knowingly and willfully converted those benefits to his own use. By doing so, Dean received payments, valuing approximately $65,175, to which he knew he was not entitled.

Assistant United States Attorney Marshall J. Piccinini prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Song commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dean.