Apollo Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Social Security

PITTSBURGH, PA- A resident of Apollo, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government money, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Danny Ray Alexander, 36, pleaded guilty to one count before Senior United States District Judge Donetta W. Ambrose.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that between November 29, 2013 and December 30, 2016, Alexander, and his wife and codefendant, Tara Jo Frain, who pleaded guilty earlier this month, knowingly received $25,164 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which they knew they were not entitled. In addition to the theft, Alexander took responsibility for making false statements to the Social Security Administration regarding his marital status, which impacted his eligibility to receive SSI disability payments, which was charged in a separate count of the Indictment. Specifically, the Court was informed, that in May of 2012, Frain and Alexander were married but Alexander did not inform the SSA of the change in his marital status and, in September of 2016, Alexander falsely claimed on a SSA form that he was not married.

Judge Ambrose scheduled sentencing for August 5, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. 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. Alexander remains on bond pending sentencing.

Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski and Adam N. Hallowell are 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 Alexander.