Ex-NYPD Officer Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges in Massive NYC Social Security Disability Fraud Scam

On Wednesday, August 27th, the main defendant in a massive Social Security Disability fraud scam pleaded guilty to charges for defrauding the US government.

Joseph Esposito, 70, pleaded guilty to one count of grand larceny in the first degree for his leadership role in a Social Security Disability fraud scam that has reportedly been running since 1988. He also agreed to repay $750,000 in restitution.

Mr. Esposito was the lead defendant charged with defrauding the Social Security Disability program earlier this year, and faced over 100 counts of grand larceny for allegedly directing numerous emergency responders to lie about their mental health status to apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

The investigation began 5 years ago when the Social Security Administration noticed a flurry of similar disability applications, and realized that a number of applicants still had gun permits, although they made claims of severe psychological problems.

Most of the people who applied for Social Security Disability with Esposito’s help were coached on what to say on their applications, and have identical responses for several questions, including “I nap on and off during the day,” and “I have the TV on to keep me company.”

“You’re just trying to show that, you know, you’re depressed,” the papers quote him as saying. “Can you pretend you have panic attacks?”

In exchange for his help coaching the Social Security Disability applicants, Esposito received kickbacks.

The other 128 defendants were mostly former NYPD officers and firefighters who allegedly obtained improper Social Security Disability payments, claiming that they suffered psychiatric conditions such as PTSD which kept them from working. Esposito is the 87th defendant to plead guilty.

“Today Mr. Esposito accepted responsibility for his role in this disability matter,” his attorney, Brian Griffin, said outside court. “Although neither the architect nor mastermind, Mr. Esposito acknowledged that in his role his actions crossed both an ethical and legal line; and for that he has taken responsibility.”

As part of his plea agreement, Esposito admitted “to making false representations to the U.S. Social Security Administration and the New York state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.” The agreement further added that he “helped others collect unauthorized payments from the Social Security Administration that exceeded one million dollars.”

The Social Security Disability fraud scam has allegedly cost the federal aid program $20 million over several decades.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance can be complex.  However, we understand that you need your benefits and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim.  Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today.  We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation.  Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.