Punxsutawney Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to five years of probation on her conviction of theft of government funds, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Patty Merlo, 66.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around May 2016 to in and around January 2022, Merlo embezzled and converted for her own use approximately $91,300 in Social Security payments to which she knew she was not entitled.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Merlo.

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