A Bradford County resident has admitted to wire fraud after unlawfully collecting government benefits intended for his deceased mother over a period of nearly 17 years.
Richard Burke, 76, of Milan, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on September 24, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. The charges stem from Burke's actions between April 2005 and March 7, 2022. During this time, he withdrew $350,634.23 from his late mother's bank account. The funds consisted of Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits and Veterans Affairs death pension payments.
According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus: "Burke’s mother died in 2005, and no other individual was entitled to the benefits designated to her. Burke used his deceased mother’s bank card to make regular cash withdrawals over the years following her benefits deposits, never notifying the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) nor the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that she died."
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs Offices of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting.
If convicted under federal law for wire fraud, Burke faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine. Sentencing may also include supervised release following imprisonment; any final sentence will be determined by the judge according to federal statutes and sentencing guidelines.
A date for Burke’s sentencing has not yet been set.
