PHILADEPHIA, PA — A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to 60 months in prison for an elaborate fraud scheme. Timothy Gritman, 56, of Brodheadsville, cunningly concealed his father’s death for five years, stealing his Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits and New York State pension benefits, totaling approximately $204,985.
Gritman was sentenced by United States District Judge Cynthia Rufe, who also ordered him to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration. He has been ordered to pay restitution totaling $194,085, split between the SSA and the New York State and Local Retirement System. Gritman had pleaded guilty to fourteen counts of wire fraud and one count of Social Security fraud on February 13, 2023.
The chilling tale began in 2016 when Gritman’s father, Ralph, then 79 years old and in frail health, was last seen alive by family members at Gritman’s Pennsylvania residence. In the summer of 2017, Gritman relocated with his father to Wyoming. According to Medicare records, Ralph Gritman’s health benefits were used in September 2017 for an emergency visit to a Wyoming hospital, and then never utilized again.
Investigators believe Ralph Gritman died around October 2017. It is alleged that Timothy Gritman concealed his father’s death, disposed of his body in an unknown manner, and continued to collect his father’s SSA and pension benefits which were paid into a joint account from approximately October 2017 to October 2022.
In a shocking twist, the devious son even went as far as physically posing as his father multiple times, using makeup to appear older and deceive government officials. To this day, Gritman refuses to reveal the location of his father’s remains, which have not been found despite extensive searches.
United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero voiced her disdain for Gritman’s actions, stating, “Timothy Gritman chose dollars and cents over a dignified death for his dad. He had been living off of his father Ralph’s retirement benefits for years, even before his father’s passing — and after it, went to significant lengths to keep that money coming in. With today’s sentence, he’s finally being made to answer for his criminal greed.”
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, echoed Romero’s sentiments. “For several years, Mr. Gritman intentionally concealed his father’s passing in a ploy to collect his pension and social security payments. Today’s sentencing is a reminder that the FBI, alongside our partners, will continue our work to hold those to account who engage in these fraud schemes.”
Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, also chimed in, expressing her disappointment at Gritman’s actions. “Timothy Gritman schemed to obtain the Social Security retirement benefits intended for his deceased father. His behavior is unacceptable, and this sentence holds him accountable for his criminal actions.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the New York State Office of the Comptroller. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.
As the shocking tale of Timothy Gritman’s deceit and greed comes to an end, the message from law enforcement is clear: those who engage in such fraudulent activities will be held accountable for their actions.
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