Punxsutawney Man Indicted for Social Security Fraud

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of theft of government property, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

The one-count Indictment named George Grist, 65, as the sole defendant.

According to the Indictment, from on or about April 30, 2021, to July 16, 2025, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Grist did embezzle, steal, purloin and knowingly convert to his own use property of the Social Security Administration to which Grist was not entitled. The Indictment alleges that Grist stole a total of approximately $68,048.71 in the form of more than 50 separate benefit payments made to another person.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department's work to combat fraud supports President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.