Pennsylvania Man Admits to Stealing Minors' Social Security Benefits

 PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Washington, Pa., pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Randy A. Swink, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts before Senior United States District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that between December of 2005 and February of 2009, Swink embezzled and misappropriated approximately $30,000 in Social Security Child Auxiliary Benefit payments which were issued by the Social Security Administration for two minors during that time period.

Judge Diamond scheduled sentencing for Jan. 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Office of the Inspector General and the United States Social Security Administration, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Swink.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/09-11-wash-briefs

http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/news/2012/2012_september/2012_09_10_02.html