Akron Contractor Busted in $350K Disability Scam

AKRON, OH – James Van Buskirk, 53, of Akron, is facing a mountain of federal charges after allegedly ripping off taxpayers to the tune of nearly $350,000. An 11-count federal indictment unsealed today accuses Van Buskirk of a brazen scheme to collect disability benefits while actively working as a home-repair contractor.

According to the indictment, Van Buskirk systematically defrauded both federal and state agencies. He allegedly pocketed $75,823 in Social Security benefits intended for genuinely disabled individuals by falsely claiming he was unable to work. Simultaneously, he secured a staggering $269,932 from the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation (OBWC) using the same deceptive tactics. The scheme reportedly spanned over a decade, running from approximately November 2002 through April 2014.

“These programs exist to help those who are truly disabled and cannot work,” stated Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “We will continue to prosecute those who abuse programs like these for their own enrichment.” Dettelbach’s office isn’t naming names of victims, but the sheer scale of the alleged fraud indicates a significant drain on resources meant for those legitimately in need.

The indictment details how Van Buskirk actively concealed his self-employment, deliberately omitting the information from applications and reports to maintain his fraudulent claims. He allegedly continued to perform physical labor as a home repair contractor, directly contradicting his representations of complete disability. This isn’t a case of someone falling on hard times; it’s a calculated effort to line his pockets at the expense of the vulnerable, sources close to the investigation tell Grimy Times.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Cronin is leading the prosecution, building the case on an investigation spearheaded by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the OBWC. While the indictment marks a significant step, it’s crucial to remember that it represents only accusations at this stage. Van Buskirk is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted on the charges of theft of government funds, wire fraud, and fraudulently securing Social Security benefits, Van Buskirk faces sentencing determined by the court, taking into account his criminal history (if any), his role in the offense, and the specifics of the violations. While the statutory maximum sentence exists, it’s widely understood that sentences are typically less severe. However, given the lengthy duration and substantial amount of the alleged fraud, a significant prison term is a strong possibility.