BANGOR (AP) — Federal prosecutors say a South China man has pleaded guilty to continuing to collect his mother’s veterans’ benefits for four years after she died.

Neil Pelkey pleaded guilty this week in U.S. District Court in Bangor to stealing more than $53,000 worth of death and indemnity compensation benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Authorities say the 67-year-old Pelkey collected monthly benefits ranging from $1,154 to $1,215 from January 1, 2010 to September 1, 2013 and used them to pay living expenses.

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

A sentencing date was not immediately scheduled.