New Kensington Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Fraud

PITTSBURGH, PA - A former resident of New Kensington, PA, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Fraud in Connection with Emergency Benefits, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Nathan Woods, 24, currently incarcerated in Allegheny County Jail pleaded guilty to 2 counts before Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that from in and around June 2020, and continuing thereafter until in and around July 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Woods knowingly and willfully did conspire to commit fraud in connection with emergency benefits, more specifically, fraud related to pandemic unemployment benefits.

Following the guilty plea today, Judge Schwab sentenced Woods to time-served. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $11,910 to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, jointly and severally with conspirator Erick Woods.

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Woods.