Related Federal Cases
- Todd Faustin, Workers’ Compensation Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- James Pavlounis, Social Security Disability Benefits Fraud, New Roc… · Washington
- Kenneth Thom, Investment Adviser Fraud, New York NY, 2026 · New York
- Kenneth Thom, Investment Adviser Fraud, New York NY, 2023 · New York
- Mark Thompson, Wire Fraud and Conspiracy, New York NY, 2023 · New York
Former NYPD Officers Charged with Disability Fraud
NEW YORK – In a stunning case of corruption, three former law enforcement officials have been arrested for allegedly stealing over $1 million in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
Gerard Scparta, a former NYPD officer, Scott Maraio, a former NYPD officer and FDNY firefighter, and Kenneth Rubero, a former NYPD detective, were arrested earlier today at their residences and will be presented later today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Lehrburger.
According to the allegations contained in Complaints unsealed today, Scparta, Maraio, and Rubero each falsely represented to the SSA that they could not work due to disability and failed to report earnings from employment as required. At the same time, they were collecting disability benefits, each of them were working in various positions and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars.
‘As alleged, these three defendants, all former law enforcement officers, told lie after lie to obtain a total of over one million dollars in disability benefits through fraud,’ said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman. ‘In doing so, they allegedly took money from truly disabled individuals who are dependent on this important source of public support.’
The SSA administers Social Security Disability Insurance (‘SSD’), a federal benefits program that provides monthly cash benefits to individuals who have worked in the past and paid into Social Security, but who can no longer engage in any substantial gainful activity due to medical disabilities.
‘Social Security Disability benefits are an earned benefit, for those who are truly deserving,’ said Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Grasso. ‘It is not a treasure chest to be pilfered by alleged greedy liars and scammers.’
The Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, worked in partnership with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division and the NYC Department of Investigation to bring these alleged schemes to their proper end.
Those with information regarding Social Security fraud are encouraged to call the Social Security Fraud Hotline at 800-269-0271 or visit oig.ssa.gov/report.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
