A Blairsville, Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud and theft of government property, according to an announcement from Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
Tarance Benjamin Foster, 68, entered his plea before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti. He admitted to one count each of SSI fraud and theft of government property.
According to information presented in court, Foster applied for SSI benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). These monthly payments are designed for people with disabilities or elderly individuals who have little or no income. Applicants must report their wages, assets, and living arrangements so eligibility can be determined.
The SSA discovered that between January 2020 and June 2025, Foster received wages from nine different employers. Employment records showed he worked during this period but did not inform the SSA about his income. As a result, he collected more than $34,000 in SSI benefits for which he was not eligible.
Judge Conti set sentencing for January 21, 2026. The maximum penalty under the law is up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence will depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting the case for the government.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General.
