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Chester man gets probation in disability benefit scheme

A Delaware County man who federal prosecutors say used two different names and social security numbers in a scheme to convert more than $241,000 of Social Security disability benefits for his own use while he was working was sentenced to five years probation today. U.S. District Judge J. Curtis Joyner ordered Anthony Alvin Glass, 67, of Chester, to serve the first 18 months of probation under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $241,119.

A Delaware County man who federal prosecutors say used two different names and social security numbers in a scheme to convert more than $241,000 of Social Security disability benefits for his own use while he was working was sentenced to five years probation today.

U.S. District Judge J. Curtis Joyner ordered Anthony Alvin Glass, 67, of Chester, to serve the first 18 months of probation under house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $241,119.

Glass pleaded guilty in March 2011 to a single count of conversion of government funds.

Federal prosecutors said Glass, using the alias Alvin Glass and a SSN ending in 4101, began working in 1991 as a truck driver for a transport company through October 2010.

Court papers said that in November 1994, Glass applied for disability insurance benefits through the Social Security Administration using his real name and a SSN ending in 4711. At the time, the feds said Glass failed to disclose to the SSA that he was then earning income under the name "Alvin Glass," using a different SSN.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Moshang III said Glass specifically stated on a Social Security form that he was not currently working and had not worked since August 1990 due to a foot impairment and high blood pressure.

As a result, Glass' application for disability benefits was approved.

Prosecutors said checks were then directly deposited each month from October 1995 through July 2010 into Glass' Wachovia bank account. The total came to $241,119.

The scheme unraveled, authorities say, when a Pennsylvania State Trooper noticed Glass possessed two drivers licenses under different names.

Moshang, who sought an 18-month sentence, said none of the funds Glass converted to his own use, and to which he was not entitled, were saved. The prosecutor said Glass "jeopardized" the administration of a program designed to assist retired and/or disabled workers who qualify for such benefits.

Federal defender Felicia Sarner sought leniency for Glass, based on extraordinary family responsibility. Glass' wife, who suffered a stroke last summer, came to the witness' podium with the aid of a cane and told Joyner there was nobody else to take care of her except her husband.

contact Michael Hinkelman hinkelm@phillynews.com or follow on Twitter @MHinkelman