WILLIAMSPORT — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle), published as received.
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, age 75, from Milan, PA, was charged on August 20, 2025, with Wire Fraud in connection with stealing Social Security and Veterans benefits.
According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the Information charges that from approximately April 2005 until March 2022, Burke withdrew benefits payments from his deceased mother’s bank account. The total amount stolen from the SSA and VA was $350,634.23.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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