Seattle’s U.S. District Court sentenced Cory Michael Eglash, 52, to 15 months in prison for a scheme that defrauded the Social Security Disability program out of $42,088.
Eglash, owner of ‘Criminal Coffee’ on San Juan Island, was also fined $10,000 and ordered to pay full restitution. His girlfriend, Ramona Hayes, 41, pleaded guilty and served one year for her role in the scheme.
The pair claimed they were disabled and unable to work, but investigation revealed both continued to run their coffee shop and Eglash earned additional income at a public aquarium. Hayes collected over $42,000 before fraud detection.
Prosecutors presented surveillance video of Eglash working at the coffee shop during his application period. His claims stated he was ‘almost home-bound,’ but evidence showed him playing basketball.
Eglash’s and Hayes’s actions were investigated by SSA-OIG Cooperative Disability Investigation Unit, with Seth Wilkinson and Thomas Woods leading the prosecution.
Judge Ricardo S. Martinez emphasized Eglash’s resources and characterized his behavior as ‘selfish’ in stealing from those unable to work.
RELATED: San Juan Island’s Criminal Coffee Owner Convicted of Disability Fraud
Related Federal Cases
- San Juan Island’s Criminal Coffee Owner Convicted of Disability Fraud · Washington
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- Contractor John McClure Faces Decade-Long Prison Term in Fraud Scam · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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