United States of America v. Curtis John Shupe

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with theft of government property in violation of 18 U.S.C. 641 and misure of position of representative payee in violation of 42 U.S.C. 408(a)(5).

Reported by: Kent Morlan

From in and around September 2021 until in and around July 2025, Curtis John Shupe, 61, a resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, stole and knowingly converted to his personal use more than $1,000 in Social Security benefits belonging to someone else. Shupe did so through his role as representative payee for the benefits.

The Defendant was indicted on a two count indictment.

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 offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

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