Pennsylvania Woman Sentenced to Probation for Stealing Daughter's Social Security Benefits

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pa., has been sentenced in federal court to three years probation, including six months home detention, on her conviction of conversion of social security benefits and theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr. imposed the sentence on Kelly Craig, a/k/a Kelly Ommert, 43.

According to information presented to the court, Craig stole more than $16,000 in government funds by converting to her own use Social Security Administration payments designated for the benefit of a minor child.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Cohill stated that Ms. Craig had committed a serious crime in falsely representing to the Social Security Administration that she was caring for a daughter who was not even in the defendant's custody. However, it appeared that defendant was taking steps to address her alcohol problems, and had severed herself from prior abusive relationships.

Assistant United States Attorney Leo M. Dillon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

U.S. Attorney Hickton commended the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Craig.

Source: http://www.justice.gov/usao/paw/news/2012/2012_february/2012_02_08_02.html