BRIEF: Former Fresno pastor stole $113,000 in Social Security benefits

July 18--A former pastor of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in southwest Fresno admitted in federal court Monday to stealing more than $100,000 in government benefits.

The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General found Alvin Dickson, 55, of Oakland, collected about $113,000 in Social Security disability insurance benefits while being paid a salary and living rent-free through Mount Pleasant from July 2005 to April 2013. He did not disclose his employment or income to the government.

Dickson pleaded guilty to theft of government property. He will be sentenced Oct. 24, and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Rory Appleton: 559-441-6015, @RoryDoesPhonics

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