JOHNSTOWN, PA — A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of theft of government funds, announced United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan.
The indictment names 65-year-old Patty Merlo as the sole defendant in this case. It alleges that from around May 2016 to January 2022, Merlo knowingly and unlawfully embezzled, stole, and converted for her personal use approximately $91,300 in Social Security Income benefit payments, to which she knew she was not entitled.
If convicted, Merlo could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The actual sentence, however, would be determined based on the seriousness of the offense and any prior criminal history of the defendant, as per the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Mitchell is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
As we follow this story, it is important to remember that an indictment is simply an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. As additional details emerge, we will continue to provide updates on this developing case.
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