Bedford County Woman Charged with Converting Government Funds for Her Own Use

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Saxton, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of conversion of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Soo C. Song announced today.

The one-count indictment named Connie Williams, 59, of Saxton, Pa.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from Sept. 11, 2013, to Jan. 14, 2015, Williams did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $26,118, which represents approximately 17 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to her to which she was not entitled.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, 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 U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines 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.