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MILAN, Pa. — A 75-year-old Milan man is facing federal charges after allegedly stealing more than $350,000 in government benefits over nearly 17 years.
Richard Burke was charged on Wednesday, August 20, with wire fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors say that from April 2005 to March 2022, Burke unlawfully accessed and withdrew Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits that were being deposited into his deceased mother’s bank account.
The total amount stolen was $350,635.23, according to the federal complaint.
If convicted, Burke faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine, and possible supervised release following his sentence.
