A Bradford County resident has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly stealing Social Security and Veterans benefits over a period of nearly 17 years. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, 75, from Milan, Pennsylvania, was charged on August 20, 2025.
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.”
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting.
If convicted under federal law, Burke could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine. Sentencing may also include supervised release after imprisonment. The final sentence will be determined by a judge who will consider federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
Authorities emphasized that these are allegations at this stage and all persons charged are presumed innocent unless found guilty in court.
