Blandburg man accused of check-cashing scheme

A Blandburg man has been indicted on charges of stealing $24,500 from the U.S. Treasury.

A two-count indictment handed down in U.S. District Court in Johnstown names Lawrence Waite, 45, of the 100 block of Boyd Street.

The indictment said Waite received and illegally converted to his own use $13,038 as 20 separate Social Security widow’s benefit payments made out to his mother, which he continued to receive after her death. Authorities said he also falsely received $11,450 in 20 black lung survivor benefit payments made out to his mom.

The indictment said the illegal conversions took place from September 2005 until April of 2007.

The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Labor.

In other federal court cases:

• Two Johnstown men have been named on five counts of violating narcotics laws.

James D. Bush, 36, of the 900 block of Ash Street, and Donald L. Bush, 40, of the 700 block of Ash Street, were named as defendants in the federal indictment.

Prosecutors said the Bushes distributed, conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 0.2 ounce or more of crack cocaine. The crimes reportedly occurred on multiple dates between April 27 to May 11.

Federal officials did not say whether the Bushes are related.

• An inmate at FCI-Loretto has been charged with possessing marijuana behind the prison’s walls.

Authorities charged Miles F. Edwards, 37, with possessing pot on Sept. 3, 2007.

• The grand jury indicted a city resident on charges of distributing crack cocaine.

The two-count indictment named Caron A. Howling, 32, of the 500 block of Wood Street.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Haines said Howling distributed 0.2 ounce or more of crack on Nov. 12 and Nov. 16, 2007.