26-03-2025
Punxsutawney woman sentenced to probation for $91K social security fraud
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Punxsutawney woman was sentenced to probation in federal court for social security fraud totaling over $91,000 in payments.
Patty Merlo, 66, was sentenced to five years of probation on her conviction of theft of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. The sentence was given by United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines.
According to information presented to the court, from May 2016 to January 2022, Merlo embezzled and converted approximately $91,300 in Social Security payments she knew she was not entitled Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General led the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Merlo, Rivetti added.
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