“Buzzy” Simon Gets 18 Months for Veteran Scam

HARTFORD, CT – John J. Simon Jr., 69, of Stafford Springs, known to some as “Buzzy” Simon, will spend the next 18 months in federal prison after being sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea. Simon pleaded guilty to swindling vulnerable U.S. veterans and attempting to evade federal reporting laws, a scheme that left a trail of financial ruin for those who served their country.

According to court documents, Simon preyed on four veterans, all suffering from service-related disabilities or chronic illness, between March 2009 and August 2010. He falsely promised to secure increased benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in exchange for cash. He also lied to one veteran, claiming he could help with Social Security benefits. The money, intended for legal fees or expenses related to the benefit claims, instead lined Simon’s own pockets.

The investigation revealed a far wider scope of deceit. Simon admitted to defrauding 11 other military veterans and one civilian, totaling approximately $525,521. He didn’t file a single claim for any of these victims and incurred no legitimate expenses on their behalf. It was a calculated, cold-blooded exploitation of those who had already sacrificed so much.

Beyond the direct fraud, Simon attempted to hide his ill-gotten gains by structuring cash deposits. From October 2009 to June 2010, he deposited roughly $36,000 in small increments, deliberately avoiding the $10,000 threshold that triggers mandatory reporting to the government. This practice, known as “structuring,” is a federal crime designed to conceal the source of funds and evade scrutiny.

Simon was initially arrested on a criminal complaint in May 2013 and pleaded guilty in October 2016 to one count of mail fraud and one count of structuring currency transactions. While $210,085.58 was seized by the IRS in October 2010, Judge Shea ordered Simon to pay an additional $315,435.42 in restitution to his victims. The court hopes this will offer some measure of relief, though the damage is undoubtedly lasting.

The case was a joint effort by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter S. Jongbloed prosecuted the case. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. This sentencing serves as a harsh reminder that those who exploit our veterans will be held accountable.