A Beaver Falls resident has pleaded guilty in federal court in Pittsburgh to stealing more than $216,000 in Social Security benefits over the course of a decade, Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced Tuesday.

Nicholas T. Grimes, 30, admitted to theft of government property before U.S. District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan on June 17.

Prosecutors said Grimes began withdrawing retirement benefits that continued to be deposited into the account of a deceased individual beginning in 2014.

Over a period of nearly 10 years, Grimes used ATM transactions to drain funds totaling approximately $216,779, illegally benefiting from the Title II Social Security retirement payments intended for the deceased.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2025. Grimes faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The final sentence will depend on federal sentencing guidelines and Grimes’ criminal history, if any.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory C. Melucci.

Rivetti’s office said the case highlights the importance of continued oversight to prevent and detect abuse of public benefit programs.