Philadelphia Man Charged with Theft of Government Funds

Oliver Burke, 56, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by Information with one count of theft of government funds and one count of theft from an employee pension plan, announced Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen. According to the Information[1], the defendant received Social Security and pension benefits intended for his mother-in-law, after his mother-in-law’s death in April 2013, until the fraud was discovered in March 2016. The defendant’s alleged actions resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $69,026.25.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a 3‑year period of supervised release, restitution to the government of $69,026.25, a fine of up to $500,000, and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.