Brockway, Pa.Woman Charged with Defrauding Social Security Administration

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Brockway, Pa., has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of conversion of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The indictment named Megan M. Pearce, 34, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, from July 31, 2015, to March 1, 2016, Pearce did receive and convert falsely to her own use a total of $11,728, which represents approximately 16 separate Social Security Administration benefit payments made to her as representative payee for her sons, 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.