Aug 23, 2002 1 min read

Guilty plea announced United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan said Chad E. Riggin, 25, a former Uniontown area resident, has pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of forging endorsements.

Riggin pleaded guilty to one count before Senior U.S. District Judge Gustave Diamond.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch advised the court that from Sept. 3, 1998, to May 4, 1999, Riggin forged the signature of the payee, Gerald Riggin, on the back of nine United States Treasury checks issued by the Social Security Administration in the total amount of $9,113. Gerald Riggin was Chad Riggin’s father and was deceased at the time the checks were cashed.

Diamond scheduled sentencing for Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the court continued the bond previously set.

Special Agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Riggin.

Lecture announced

Parade planned