Lawrence Nicoletti, 60, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was charged today by information with one count of theft of government funds, in connection with his alleged scheme to collect retirement benefits intended for his father-in-law, after his father-in-law’s death, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger. According to the Information, the defendant’s father-in-law was a United States Postal Service worker who received Social Security Administration Retirement and Survivor’s Insurance benefits, as well as Office of Personnel Management Civil Service Retirement System benefits. The information alleges that Nicoletti’s father-in-law died in December 2005 but the defendant took the retirement benefits intended for his father-in-law until the fraud was discovered in the summer of 2012. This resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $188,564.70.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; a $250,000 fine; restitution of $188,564.70; and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, EASTERN DISTRICTof PENNSYLVANIA
Suite 1250, 615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
PATTY HARTMAN, Media Contact, 215-861-8525
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
