United States of America v. Richard Burk

Williamsport, PA criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Wire Fraud





Richard Burke, age 76, of Milan, Pennsylvania, plead guilty to wire fraud.





From April 2005 until March 7, 2022, Burke withdrew $350,634.23 of his deceased mother's Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability (RSDI) benefits and Veterans Affairs death pension benefit payments from her bank account. Burke's mother died in 2005, and no other individual was entitled to the benefits designated to her. Burke used his deceased mother's bank card to make regular cash withdrawals over the years following her benefits deposits, never notifying the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) nor the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that she died.



This case was investigated by the SSA and VA, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.



The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

09/24/2025 4 COURT REPORTER NOTES re Richard Burke filed by Colleen Wentz of Initial Appearance, Arraignment,Plea before Judge Matthew W. Brann on 09/24/2025. In accordance with 28 U.S.C. Section 753(b), I certify that these original notes are a true and correct record of proceedings in the United States District Court for the Middle District of PA before Judge Matthew W. Brann on 09/24/2025. By s/ Colleen Wentz. (Court Reporter Notes are viewable by court staff only). (Wentz, Colleen) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 6 CJA 23 - FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT by Richard Burke. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 7 ORDER APPOINTING FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER as to Richard Burke. Gerald A. Lord, Esquire appointed to represent Richard Burke. Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on 9/24/2025. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 8 WAIVER OF INDICTMENT by Richard Burke and ORDER APPROVING WAIVER. Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 9 GUILTY PLEA ENTERED as to Count 1 of the Information as to Richard Burke. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 10 Order of Referral to Probation for Presentence Investigation and Report. The Court accepts the plea of guilty to Count 1 of the Information; the USPO shall conduct a PSI and prepare a PSR. A PSC may be scheduled by separate Order, if necessary. Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on 9/24/2025. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 11 ORDER as to Richard Burke. A presentence conference in this case may be scheduled, if necessary, after both parties have reviewed and responded to the Presentence Report. (See Order for further details.) Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on 9/24/2025. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 12 RULE 5 NOTICE re: Brady disclosure obligations as to defendant Richard Burke. Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on 9/24/2025. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)

09/24/2025 13 ORDER Setting Conditions of Release. Signed by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on 9/24/2025. (jr) (Entered: 09/24/2025)