Boston - A Springfield man was convicted yesterday of two counts of Social Security fraud.
Charles R. Allen, 53, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor to fraudulent concealment to secure unauthorized Social Security payments and to false statement of a material fact for use in determining rights to Social Security payments.
From approximately June 1, 2003 through Aug. 31, 2010, Allen received approximately $89,000 in fraudulently obtained Social Security Title II disability benefits. Allen was not entitled to receive these benefits because he was also working as the cook and manager of a restaurant during this same time period, which was information that he intentionally concealed from the Social Security Administration in order to continue receiving these benefits. On June 21, 2010, Allen falsely stated in a Social Security Administration work activity report that he had not worked since Jan. 29, 1999. That same day, agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General interviewed Allen who initially claimed he was not working. However, when confronted with surveillance conducted by the agents, Allen admitted that he was in fact working. Allen told the agents that he had been working at the diner almost seven days a week for the past six and a half years; he was paid under the table between $150 - $400 per week; and he knew that it was wrong to tell SSA that he was not working.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 6, 2013. On each count, Allen faces up to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of at least $89,142, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Scott Antolik, Special Agent In Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of Ortiz’s Springfield Branch Office.
