Uniontown council member charged with benefits fraud

Uniontown City Council member Trace Thomas faces a third-degree felony charge for allegedly misreporting his income to receive public assistance. The Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General and the Fayette County District Attorney's Office announced the charges against the 34-year-old this week.

Investigators say Thomas earned $166,637.61 in gross wages from Senior LIFE, a care provider for older adults in Fayette County. He worked there from November 9, 2023, to September 30, 2025. Despite these earnings, Thomas repeatedly told the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services that he had no income.

Thomas collected $5,705 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits between February 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. He also received $1,000 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits from November 1, 2024, to April 4, 2025. Officials state he was not eligible for either program during those periods.

State Inspector General Michelle A. Henry said the case demonstrates a commitment to finding public benefits fraud. She noted that Thomas holds a position of public trust as a council member. "Trace Thomas holds a position of public trust as a member of Uniontown City Council, yet he is charged with knowingly misleading the Commonwealth again and again to collect benefits meant for Pennsylvanians in need," Henry said.

Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele said the programs exist to help residents make ends meet. Aubele stated that Thomas abused the system and that the two offices worked together to stop the abuse. Thomas took office in January 2024 and oversees the Streets and Improvements Department according to the city website.

The investigation remains ongoing, officials said.