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Postal worker sentenced for faking a mugging
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A former Jeannette Post Office supervisor was sentenced Thursday to five years of probation and a $5,000 fine for making false statements that he was mugged outside of his workplace in an effort to collect workers' compensation.
Jeffrey Allen Gogets, 51, of Greensburg, could have gotten as much as six months in prison under federal guidelines. Judge Alan Bloch noted that he "defrauded the government, and indirectly the taxpayers" of around $9,201, which he will have to finish paying back, but said imprisonment wasn't necessary.
Assistant Federal Public Defender Tara Allen objected that Mr. Gogets couldn't afford to pay a fine.
"If he would just give up the five cell phones he pays for every month," said Judge Bloch, he could easily afford $100-a-month installments on the fine.
Mr. Gogets claimed in April 2011 that on his way in to work, he was hit and robbed of $150. Subsequent investigation showed that he tossed his wallet and car keys, broke a glass bottle, lay on a walkway and banged on a side door before lying to postal staff and medical personnel.
First Published September 8, 2012 12:00 am
