New Castle Woman Charged with Defrauding Social Security

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of New Castle, PA, has 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 three-count indictment, returned on September 27, names Shawna Stelter, age 36, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment, Stelter received $26,917.55 in Supplemental Security Income benefits to which she knew she was not entitled. Stelter is also charged with knowingly and willfully making a false statement to, and concealing information from, the Social Security Administration, claiming that her household consisted solely of herself and her children, when in fact, her husband was also part of her household.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of $750,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Christy C. Wiegand is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration, Office of the 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.