Apollo Couple Charged with Defrauding Social Security

PITTSBURGH, PA – Two Armstrong County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The four-count indictment, returned on Nov. 27, named Tara Jo Frain, age 33, and Danny Ray Alexander, age 45, both Apollo, PA, as defendants.

According to the Indictment, between November 29, 2013 and December 30, 2016, Frain and Alexander each knowingly received and converted Supplemental Security Income benefits to which they knew they were not entitled, in an amount exceeding $1,000.00 each. In addition, on or about September 10, 2016, Frain and Alexander each made a false statement material to their right to receive SSI benefits by falsely stating that they were not married.

As to both Frain and Alexander, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Adam N. Hallowell is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.