PITTSBURGH — A Butler County woman pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday to Social Security fraud.

Pattie Lou Smith, 56, of Connoquenessing, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud before Chief U.S. District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

According to a news release issued by U.S. Attorney Scott Brady, Smith falsely reported that her husband was not part of her household when applying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits.

She received SSI benefits she was not entitled to totaling $61,331.50 from late December 2013 through February 2017.

Hornak scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2020. The law provides for a total sentence of 5 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Social Security Administration — Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation that led to her prosecution.

Smith is free on bond pending her sentencing.