Lawrence Nicoletti, Theft of Government Funds, Pennsylvania 2023

A Phoenixville man has been charged with stealing government funds, in a scheme that allegedly netted him over $188,000 in retirement benefits intended for his late father-in-law.

Lawrence Nicoletti, 60, of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was charged today by information with one count of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

According to the Information, Nicoletti's father-in-law was a United States Postal Service worker who received Social Security Administration Retirement and Survivor's Insurance benefits, as well as Office of Personnel Management Civil Service Retirement System benefits.

The information alleges that Nicoletti's father-in-law died in December 2005, but the defendant took the retirement benefits intended for his father-in-law until the fraud was discovered in the summer of 2012.

This resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $188,564.70.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years imprisonment; 3 years of supervised release; a $250,000 fine; restitution of $188,564.70; and a $100 special assessment.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amanda R. Reinitz.

The case highlights the importance of vigilance in preventing government fraud, and the severe consequences for those who engage in such activities.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/phoenixville-man-charged-theft-government-funds