McKeesport Woman Sentenced for Defrauding Social Security

PITTSBURGH, PA - A McKeesport, Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced in federal court to five years of probation, together with four months of home detention, and restitution of $19,289.00 on her conviction relating to Social Security fraud, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

Chief United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence yesterday on Kristin Lucas, aka Kristin Hope Iarrusso, 45, on her conviction of one count of theft of government funds.

According to information presented to the court, between November 2012 and October 2014, Lucas received and converted approximately $19,289.00 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Additionally, on or about April 10, 2013, Lucas knowingly made a false statement material to her right to receive Supplemental Security Income benefits, by falsely stating that she had used $8,400 in Supplemental Security Income benefits paid to her from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013 for the care and support of a minor child.

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

United States Attorney Brady commended the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Kristin Lucas.