New York Woman Sentenced for Theft of Public Money
U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced that Gloria Pugh, 45, of Rochester, N.Y., who was convicted of theft of public money, was sentenced to five years probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan W. Feldman. Pugh was also ordered to pay $18,140 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Lee, who handled the case, stated that the defendant completed paperwork for the Social Security Administration on behalf of her minor daughter involving continued eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Pugh was aware that she needed to provide up to date information on her statement of income and resources but failed to include information regarding three properties she had acquired. The defendant knew that the disclosure of her assets would affect the amount of benefits her daughter would receive.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent In Charge Edward J. Ryan.