Monongahela Man Unlawfully Received Social Security Benefits

PITTSBURGH - A resident of Washington County, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Gregory Kavalec, 69, of Monongahela, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge David Cercone.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from on or about Oct. 3, 2013, to on or about Sept. 3, 2014, Kavalec unlawfully received property of the United States, that is, OASDI Social Security benefits in the amount of approximately $17,985.

Judge Cercone scheduled sentencing for Feb. 17, 2016, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not more than 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the Judge continued the defendant 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 leading to the indictment in this case.