Nicholas Pao, Social Security Benefits Theft, New Jersey 2024

CAMDEN, N.J. – A shocking case of corruption has come to light in the Garden State. Nicholas Pao, a 10-year employee of the Social Security Administration, has admitted to stealing over $100,000 in benefits from unsuspecting individuals.

According to court documents, Pao, 37, of Egg Harbor Township, used his position as a claims technical expert to access the confidential records of several individuals without their knowledge or authority. He then altered their records and made fraudulent changes that caused the Social Security Administration to issue benefits to these individuals.

Pao would intercept these benefits, which were issued by way of a Direct Express account and credit card, and deplete the funds without the knowledge or consent of the individuals.

The scheme, which ran from December 2014 to July 2018, has left many wondering how such a massive fraud went undetected for so long.

Pao pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds and two counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison for the theft charge and a mandatory prison sentence of two years for the aggravated identity theft counts.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2019. If anyone believes they may have been a victim of Pao’s scheme, they are advised to call the Office of the Inspector General at 888-487-9917.

The investigation was conducted by special agents of the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration, under the direction of John F. Grasso. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Meriah Russell.

Pao’s defense counsel is Thomas Young Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden.

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