Minnesota man found guilty of Social Security fraud

August 24, 2012

In Hermantown, a suburb of Duluth, Minnesota, a 51-year-old man was charged with one count of theft of government funds. He was also charged with three counts of making false statements in determining his eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), reports the Duluth News Tribune.

As a result of a joint investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Hermantown Police Department, this SSDI fraud case was solved.

The man admitted that he applied for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits on March 16, 2006, at which time he claimed that he suffered from a memory loss which made him unable to work.

He also confessed that he falsely reported his medical condition by altering his speech, writing, and appearance. He admitted to all of this falsity in his plea agreement.

Because of his falsifying evidence during his evaluation, the man received a diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease, and he began collecting Social Security Disability Insurance payments from the Social Security Administration.

Since 2006, he has collected $144,000 in Social Security Disability Insurance. After pleading guilty in Saint Louis County court to stealing this money, he now faces up to 10 years in federal prison and repayment of the $144,000.

If you or someone you know needs help with Social Security Disability claims, contact the disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.