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PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — An Odessa man is facing a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison after stealing more than $60,000 in funds, the Department of Justice announced.

Anthony J. Salomone, 64, pleaded guilty to theft of government property after failing to report his mother had died.

Salomone’s mother was receiving Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, being a spouse to a deceased veteran. That money was directly deposited into her account, which Salomone had access to through an attorney.

His mother died in October 2017, but he didn’t report her death. Therefore, the VA kept sending money for her until March 2022.

According to the DOJ, Salomone used the $63,359.92 in stolen funds for personal and business expenses.

Salomone’s sentencing hearing is scheduled to take place on July 11.