Keith A. Bassi, Mail Fraud, Pennsylvania 2023

A Pittsburgh area resident has been sentenced to federal prison for a shocking scheme to defraud an elderly client. Keith A. Bassi, a 61-year-old Fayette City man, has been sentenced to 33 months behind bars for his conviction of mail fraud.

According to court documents, Bassi held a power of attorney for the victim, an elderly person diagnosed with dementia. However, instead of protecting the victim’s assets, Bassi misappropriated approximately $505,000 in funds between 2012 and 2016.

The scam unfolded over several years as Bassi diverted the victim’s assets into bank accounts he controlled at Charleroi Federal Savings and PNC Banks. In one egregious instance, Bassi made insurance premium payments using the victim’s funds on a whole life policy purchased at Pacific Life in the name of someone other than the victim.

Bassi then went on to cancel the policy and pocket the surrendered cash proceeds for himself. He also used the victim’s estate funds to operate Mid Mon Valley Publishing Co.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, commending the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their diligent work in bringing Bassi to justice.

United States Attorney Scott W. Brady praised the investigators, saying ‘their tireless efforts led to the successful prosecution of Keith A. Bassi.’ Bassi’s sentence includes a $100,000 fine, restitution in the amount of $505,131.95, as well as forfeiture in the amount of $235,515.93.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of elder abuse and highlights the importance of protecting vulnerable members of our society from exploitation.

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