Somerset Man Admits Illegally Converting Social Security Benefits To His Own Use

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Somerset, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court in Johnstown to a charge of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

James E. Mimna, Jr., 56, pleaded guilty to the indictment before United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from Oct. 1, 2007, to Dec. 31, 2012, Mimna did receive and falsely convert to his own use $107,458.10, which represents 156 payments made to him by the Social Security Administration to which he was not entitled.

Judge Gibson scheduled sentencing for Oct. 17, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines 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 Mimna.