Blairsville Man Pleads Guilty to Supplemental Security Income Fraud and Theft

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Blairsville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of fraud and theft of government property, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Tarance Benjamin Foster, 68, pleaded guilty before Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti to one count of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) fraud and one count of theft of government property.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Foster applied for SSI benefits-a monthly, needs-based payment benefit afforded to people with disabilities and the elderly who have little or no income-through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applicants are required to report their wages, assets, and living arrangements as factors for consideration in determining eligibility for SSI.

In 2025, SSA learned that wages were posted to Foster's record from nine different employers, with employment records establishing that Foster worked from January 2020 through June 2025. Had Foster informed the SSA of his income during this time, he would not have received any SSI benefits. In total, Foster obtained over $34,000 in SSI benefits for which he was not eligible.

Judge Conti scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Foster.