Blairsville, PA – A senior citizen from Blairsville has admitted to bilking over $34,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Tarance Benjamin Foster, 68, pleaded guilty to charges of SSI fraud and theft of government property before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti.
Foster, who applied for monthly SSI payments intended for the disabled and elderly with little income, failed to report his wages from nine employers over a five-year period. His deceitful actions led to an excess payment totaling $34,000.
According to court documents, Foster was employed from January 2020 through June 2025. If he had disclosed these earnings to the Social Security Administration (SSA), he would have been ineligible for SSI benefits. Judge Conti has scheduled Foster’s sentencing for January 21, 2026.
The law allows for a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is handling the prosecution on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, leading to Foster’s arraignment and guilty plea.
“This type of fraud strips resources meant for those in genuine need,” said Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “We will continue to hold individuals accountable who defraud our social safety net.”
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Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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