Punxsutawney Woman Pleads Guilty To Fraudulently Obtaining SSA Benefits
Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 7:40 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
JOHNSTOWN, PA.- Last Monday, November 25, 2024, Patty Merlo, 66, of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie L. Haines to a one-count indictment charging her with violating Federal Fraud Laws.
According to U.S. Attorney Eric G. Olshan, during her plea allocution, Merlo admitted that beginning in May 2016 and lasting through January 2022, she embezzled and converted for her own use just around $91,300 in Social Security benefits that she knew she was not entitled to.
Following her plea, Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2025, at which time Merlo faces up to 10 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine, or both. The actual term of imprisonment will be determined by a U.S. District Court Judge based on the seriousness of the offense and Merlo’s prior criminal history, if any.
U.S. Attorney Olshan commended the investigative work of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.
