Ross Twp. Man Charged With Cashing Deceased Mother’s Benefit Checks For 40 Years

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Allegheny County has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The one-count indictment named Chauncey Clinton, 65, as the sole defendant.

According to indictment, from June 1, 1973, to April 3, 2012, Chauncey Clinton converted to his own use $304,853.00 in Social Security Title II, Old Age, Survivor’s Disability Insurance benefit payments of his mother, Clara Clinton, who died on May 7, 1973, to which benefits he knew he was not entitled.

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.

Assistant United States Attorney Mary McKeen Houghton 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.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.