Stoneboro Man Pleads Guilty to Theft of Government Property Charge

ERIE, Pa. - A resident of Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Martin Meade Kobsik, age 42, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Susan Paradise Baxter.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in April 2020, Kobsik obtained a $150,000 COVID-19 Disaster Assistance Loan from the Small Business Administration, falsely representing that he needed the money to maintain his business. Kobsik then used the proceeds from the loan for personal expenses, a vacation, and improvements to his home.

Judge Baxter scheduled sentencing for April 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. 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 is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued Kobsik on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Christian A. Trabold is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kobsik.