Cranberry Woman Pleads Guilty to Using Parents' Identities in Student Loan Fraud Scheme

A Cranberry Township woman on Thursday pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of bank fraud and mail fraud, according to United States Attorney David J. Hickton.

to two counts before United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was told Shuster fraudulently obtained $729,000 in private lender student loans by using the identities and financial information of her parents.

Hornak scheduled Shuster’s sentencing for 9:30 a.m. Aug. 8.

The law provides for a total sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, Shuster is free on bond.

Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Cessar is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The United States Postal Inspection Service, Postal Inspector Molly Hackimer conducted the investigation that led to Shuster’s prosecution.

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