A Bradford County resident has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly stealing Social Security and Veterans benefits over a period of nearly 17 years, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Richard Burke, 75, from Milan, Pennsylvania, was charged on August 20, 2025. Authorities allege that between April 2005 and March 2022, Burke withdrew benefit payments from his deceased mother’s bank account. The total amount taken from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is reported to be $350,634.23.
“This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.”
The offense carries a maximum penalty under federal law of up to 20 years in prison and a fine. Sentencing could also include supervised release after imprisonment. The actual sentence will be determined by a judge who will consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
“Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.”
