A Blairsville, Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud and theft of government property. The announcement was made by 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). SSI is a needs-based program that provides monthly payments to people with disabilities or elderly individuals who have little or no income. Applicants are required to report their wages, assets, and living arrangements so the SSA can determine eligibility.
In 2025, the SSA discovered that Foster had received wages from nine different employers between January 2020 and June 2025. 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 law allows for a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. The actual sentence will be determined based on federal Sentencing Guidelines considering 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.
