A Garfield Heights man has been charged with a shocking Social Security scam that left taxpayers footing the bill for over $144,000 in benefits he wasn’t entitled to.
Eric Hegler, 65, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of theft of government funds, according to Acting U.S. Attorney David A. Sierleja for the Northern District of Ohio.
The indictment reveals that Hegler fraudulently received approximately $144,000 in benefits from the Social Security Administration over a staggering nine-year period.
The investigation was conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Sanniti leading the prosecution.
If convicted, Hegler’s sentence will be determined by the Court after reviewing factors such as his prior criminal record, role in the offense, and characteristics of the violation. However, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Hegler is entitled to a fair trial, where the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: Hegler’s alleged scam has left a trail of financial devastation in its wake.
The indictment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting social welfare programs from those who would seek to exploit them for personal gain.
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Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: White Collar Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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