Saturday, January 11, 2014

Ex-NYPD and FDNY Members Charged in $400 Million Social Security Disability Fraud

Ex-police sergeant Richard Cosentino said he couldn't 
leave his house. Manhattan District Attorney's Office
Dozens of former city cops and firefighters used the 2001 terror attacks as an excuse to fund carefree lifestyles on the taxpayer’s dime, authorities said Tuesday. 
The former NYPD and FDNY members — who claimed to have suffered stress-related woes from the World Trade Center attacks — were among 106 people indicted for a longstanding Social Security disability scam, officials said. 
A former Brooklyn cop, Glenn Lieberman, 44, became the unwitting poster boy for the sprawling ripoff ring, which includes 71 other retired city cops, eight former firefighters and five ex-correction employees.
Glenn Lieberman, who is accused of participating in 
a Social Security disability scam to the tune of 
$175,758.40 according to the Manhattan DA's office
Lieberman, accused of being part of the crooked crew that soaked taxpayers for $21.5 million, showed his contempt in an undated photo released by prosecutors with a sick grin and two extended middle fingers. 
He and the former cops and firefighters were coached by ringleaders to act dysfunctional and steered to shady doctors who helped green-light disability payments of anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 a year, the 205-count indictment charges.
“I can only express my disgust at the actions of the individuals involved in this scheme,” Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. 
He said he was particularly chagrined that 72 former members of the NYPD “disgraced themselves, embarrassed their families.” 
“The idea that many of them chose the events of 9/11 to claim as the bases for this disability brings further dishonor to themselves,” Bratton added.
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Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. suggested there might be additional indictments beyond those announced Tuesday by the time they wrap up the probe. The scammers operated from January 1988 until last month, and some 1,000 people filed fraudulent claims for as much as $400 million, Vance said. 
The suspects flaunted their money and carefree lifestyle on social media, apparently never dreaming they would be caught. 
“The brazenness is shocking,” said Vance.
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2 comments:

BOSMAN said...

I'm sorry these maggots brought the memory of 9/11 service into this crime.

So many GOOD Cops and Firefighters gave their lives and many now with LEGITIMATE illnesses....NO JET SKIES..just trying to survive..and now all that blemished by a few GREEDY..LAZY..CRIMINAL SOB's

cimbri said...

Phoney disability claims are rampant in this country, both civilian, military, etc. Unless someone is in a wheelchair, and or missing limbs or senses, disability should not be allowed.