United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

HAMDEN MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHARLES A. SCROGGINS, 44, of Hamden, pleaded guilty yesterday, July 9, before United States District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to one count of Social Security fraud.

The Social Security Administration Title II Disability Insurance Benefits program is administered to individuals who cannot work due to a disability that must last or be expected to last for at least one year, or to result in death.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, in 1996, SCROGGINS applied for Title II disability benefits from the Social Security Administration for a discogenic and degenerative back disorder.  SCROGGINS began receiving benefits in 1998.  However, beginning in May 2002, SCROGGINS worked at his painting business while collecting the disability payments.  In total, SCROGGINS was overpaid $42,208.60 by the Social Security Administration by virtue of his continuing to receive and accept Social Security benefit payments even though he knew that he was no longer entitled to receive them.

Judge Thompson has scheduled sentencing for October 1, 2008, at which time SCROGGINS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.

CONTACT:

U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Tom Carson
(203) 821-3722
thomas.carson@usdoj.gov