William Robertson, 65, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been charged with defrauding the Social Security system, according to an indictment unsealed today by the Department of Justice.
The indictment, announced by Acting United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen, charges Robertson with five counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, one count of social security fraud, and one count of making false statements.
According to the indictment, Robertson received retirement benefits intended for a deceased relative after his relative’s death in June 2005. This alleged action resulted in a loss to the government of approximately $148,938.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher E. Parisi. If convicted, Robertson faces a sentence of incarceration, a period of supervised release, full restitution to the government of $148,938, a fine, and a special assessment.
An indictment is an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. However, the allegations against Robertson are serious and highlight the need for vigilance in preventing fraud against government programs.
The Social Security system is a vital safety net for millions of Americans, and those who seek to exploit it for personal gain will be held accountable. The investigation and prosecution of Robertson’s case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the integrity of government programs and ensuring that those who commit fraud are brought to justice.
The maximum penalties for the charges against Robertson include significant prison time, fines, and restitution. The sentence will depend on various factors, including the severity of the offenses and Robertson’s prior record. As the case moves forward, it will be important to monitor the developments and ensure that justice is served.
In the meantime, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and cooperating with law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate fraud. By working together, we can help protect the integrity of government programs and ensure that those who commit fraud are held accountable.
RELATED: Southern Illinois Residents Busted in Methamphetamine Conspiracy
RELATED: Marion Man Indicted in Meth Conspiracy
Related Federal Cases
- AG James vs. Fed’s Illegal Guard Deployment · Pennsylvania
- James Halts AmeriCorps Funding Dismantling · Washington
- Attorney General James Co-Leads Coalition to Save Humanitarian Parole Program · Pennsylvania
- 23andMe Faces Legal Fire for Genetic Data Sale · Washington
- AG James Reverses $1B Education Fund Cut by Trump Admin · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
