Pittsburgh Man Charged with Defrauding Social Security

PITTSBURGH, PA - A resident of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government funds, United States Attorney Scott W. Brady announced today.

The one count Indictment named Deontae Maurice Howard, 29, of Pittsburgh, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, between December 2017, and May 2019, Howard embezzled Social Security Income benefits from the Social Security Administration in excess of $1,000.00.

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 offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration-OIG 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.