Man Held Captive for Social Security Disability Checks

Sept. 7, 2012

A 63-year-old disabled man was held captive and abused in a basement of a Southwest Philadelphia home for months by an acquaintance who stole his Social Security disability checks, reports CBS Philly News.

Freed from the basement this past Sunday, the deaf and mute victim had been abducted off the street in April by a 56 year old man, who locked him up in a basement and abused him.

“He was physically abused. No scars, but the body was being beaten. He said he was getting no food, and he was urinating in a bucket,” said the disabled man’s younger brother.

Police arrested the 56-year-old man after finding the victim locked inside the basement. They say the basement was relatively clean, but it was locked from the outside and the windows were boarded up in such a way that the man remained hidden from view.

“A lot of things were taken from him, his wallet, his ID,” his brother said, but police say that the motive for the abduction was his monthly Social Security disability checks of about $600, which were cashed by the suspect.

Among other offenses, the suspect is charged with kidnapping, aggravated assault, and receiving stolen property. The suspect’s bail was set at $1 million.

If you or someone you know needs help with SSD benefits, contact the disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.