3 Mahoning County residents charged with SS fraud

CLEVELAND — Three Mahoning County residents have been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges they stole thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits issued in the names of their mothers after failing to report their mothers’ deaths, the U.S. Attorney announced Tuesday.

Those indicted and the reported amounts stolen were Bruce A. Keck, 54, of Poland, $31,420; Aretha V. Blankenship, 42, of Campbell, $13,672; and Cecil H. Miller Jr., 62, of Youngstown, $74,437.

Miller also was charged with bankruptcy fraud for reportedly fraudulently transferring and concealing two Youngstown properties in contemplation of a bankruptcy filing. The U.S. Attorney said he then made a false statement under oath to the bankruptcy trustee.