Craig Luksza, Social Security Fraud, New Hampshire 2015

Craig Luksza, a 34-year-old Chichester man, has pleaded guilty to Social Security Fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Donald Feith.

In July 2010, Luksza began receiving Social Security disability benefits after applying in December 2009. However, shortly after, he returned to work full-time for a construction company, earning income that would have rendered him ineligible for benefits.

Luksza did not report this work activity to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, in December 2013, he falsely told SSA that he had not worked since December 2008. He eventually admitted to investigators that he concealed his work activity and income from SSA in July 2014.

As a result of his concealment, Luksza received disability benefits that he would not have received if Social Security had been aware of his actual work activity and income. The government alleges that Luksza fraudulently received $71,180.50 in disability benefits.

“Program benefits fraud is a high enforcement priority for this office and one we are uniquely positioned to prosecute,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Feith. “Those who cheat the system jeopardize the financial security of their fellow citizens who are legitimately receiving such benefits, and threaten the fiscal stability of the entire program.”

Craig Luksza faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2015. He was released on conditions pending sentencing.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Karen Burzycki.

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