Lone Rock Man Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christopher M. Hynek, 47, of Lone Rock, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in prison for Social Security fraud and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $98,256.   Hynek pleaded guilty this charge on September 1, 2020.

According to a 2018 grand jury indictment, Hynek made a claim to his private disability insurer in 2002 for injuries he had suffered to his arms in 2000. He then filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in 2003, alleging the same injuries.

While receiving benefits, Hynek was working at his parents’ printing business, Hynek Printing in Richland Center, Wisconsin, and subsequent printing businesses that Hynek Printing later acquired as it expanded.  The fact that Hynek continued to work made him ineligible for Social Security disability benefits, but Hynek concealed and failed to disclose his work activity and money from the business that he was paid “under the table,” as the judge found.

In explaining the need for a prison sentence, Judge Conley noted the seriousness of the offense and observed that Hynek perpetrated a “prolonged fraudulent scheme out of greed.”

“This sentencing should stand as a warning to those who would conceal information from SSA to receive benefits—we will hold you accountable,” said Inspector General Ennis. “The Office of the Inspector General will continue to ensure the integrity of SSA’s programs, which provide a critical safety net for those who cannot work.”

The charge against Hynek was the result of an investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and Zachary Corey.