Indiana County Woman Pleads Guilty To Defrauding Social Security Of $154K In Benefits

PITTSBURGH – An Indiana County resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

Joyce Anne Gromley, 71, of Commodore, Pa., pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Terrence F. McVerry.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around April 1986 and continuing until in around March 2014, Gromley converted to her own use $154,293.00 in Social Security Income Benefits from the Social Security Administration.

Judge McVerry scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2015. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

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