Jury Finds Pennsylvania Woman Guilty of Stealing More than $100,000 in Social Security Benefits

After deliberating 1½ hours, a federal jury of six men and six women found Lisa Ann Gray guilty of two counts of conversion of Social Security benefits and theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Lisa Ann Gray, 43, of 2279 Somers Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa., was tried before Chief United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon who prosecuted the case, the evidence presented at trial established that Gray stole more than $100,000 in government funds by converting to her own use Social Security Administration payments designated for the benefit of two of her minor children.

Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for Feb. 8, 2013, at 9:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison on the theft count, five years in prison on the Social Security conversion count, a fine of $250,000 on each count, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

 Pending sentencing, the court continued defendant on bond.

 The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Gray.