Connecticut Man Charged with Social Security Fraud

On Thursday in a New Haven court, 64 year old William Norris made his plea before Senior U.S. District Attorney, Ellen Bree.  Norris was charged with social security fraud after it was revealed that he was illegally receiving social security benefits.  

According to Connecticut news sources, Mr. Norris was charged with social security fraud because he was working when he was supposedly disabled.  Filed court documents reveal that Mr. Norris received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration beginning in 1997 for a physical disability he claimed to have. 

However, investigations revealed that Mr. Norris was at the freight company he owned staring in 1997.  According to the law, if a person is receiving disability from the government, it is illegal for the person to work and to receive compensation.  Since filing for disability, Mr. Norris received $141,000 in social security benefits that he knew he was not legally entitled to receive.

Judge Bree has scheduled a sentencing hearing for October 20, 2008.  Mr. Norris is currently facing 5 years imprisonment up to $250,000 in fines, along with various other legal fees.

Mr. Norris was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and he was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney, Paul McConnell.

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