PITTSBURGH, PA - An Allegheny County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.
Kristin Lucas, also known as Kristin Hope Iarrusso, age 45, of McKeesport pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds before Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that, between November 2012 and October 2014, Lucas received and converted approximately $19,289.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, on or about April 10, 2013, Lucas knowingly made a false statement material to her right to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, by falsely stating that she had used $8,400 in Supplemental Security Income benefits paid to her from March 1, 2012 to Feb. 28, 2013 for the care and support of a minor child.
Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for Nov. 28, 2018. 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 Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kristin Lucas.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
