A McKeesport woman pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to cashing more than $109,000 in Department of Veterans Affairs death benefits to which she wasn't entitled.

Jacquelyn Byrd Herndon, 59, started receiving the checks in April 1972, upon the death of her first husband, William Byrd.

She failed to tell the VA, however, that her marital status changed five years later.

Instead, according to prosecutors, Mrs. Herndon continued cashing the monthly checks until December 2005, even though she had remarried and was no longer eligible for the benefits.

When the government finally stopped sending the checks, Mrs. Herndon was receiving $567 per month.

During the plea hearing yesterday before Senior U.S. District Judge Alan N. Bloch, Mrs. Herndon said that she was being treated for both brain and lung cancers. She walked with a cane and coughed softly after answering almost every question.

As part of her plea deal to one count of theft of government property, Mrs. Herndon agreed to pay restitution.

She will be sentenced Aug. 7.