United States Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan announced today, July 1, 2008, that Rose Falise, a resident of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of making false entries in bank records.

Falise, age 58, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Gary L. Lancaster.

In connection with the guilty plea, Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Hull advised the court that Falise on multiple occasions falsified entries in the records of First Commonwealth Bank which concealed a $178,000 shortage in the vault.  Judge Lancaster scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.  The law provides for a total sentence of 30 years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000.00, or both.  Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Pending sentencing, the defendant remains free on bond.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Rose Falise.