An Egg Harbor Township man admitted to using his position working for Social Security to steal about $100,000 in funds.
Nicholas Pao, 37, was a 10-year employee in the Social Security Administration's township office, where he was responsible for things like determining eligibility and payment amounts, processing difficult cases and making special payment approvals.
But beginning in December of 2014, Pao admitted to using those powers to access individuals' accounts and falsify their records to steal those funds, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito said Monday.
Pao admitted to one count of theft of government funds and two counts of aggravated identity theft in Camden Federal Court.
Pao would alter individual records and make fraudulent changes that caused the Social Security Administration to issue benefits, according to information in the case. But instead of the money going to those people, he would intercept the benefits, which were issued by way of a Direct Express account and credit card.
The theft count carries a maximum of 10 years in prison. The two aggravated identity theft counts carry two years each, which would be served consecutively.
Each count also carries a fine of as much as $250,000.
He is scheduled to be sentenced June 12.
