Trafford Man Admits Taking $57K in Railroad Retirement Disability Benefits

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Trafford, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Warren Robb, age 57, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, in 2010, Robb applied for and received disability benefits from the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board. Robb never notified the Board that his condition had improved or that he had performed work for any employer, and certified in December 2016 that his disability prevented him from working. Robb in fact worked as a short-order cook at a restaurant in Level Green, Pennsylvania, from October 2015 to February 2017, and intentionally received and converted RRB disability benefits during that time to which he knew he was not entitled. From November 2015 through July 2017, Robb received disability benefits totaling approximately $57,821.68.

Judge Hornak scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2018, at 2:00 PM. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Railroad Retirement Board, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Warren Robb.