Whiting Man Sentenced to Four Months for Social Security Fraud

Bangor, Maine: Acting United States Attorney Richard W. Murphy announced that Daniel Fitzsimmons, 54, of Whiting, Maine, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court by Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. to four months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for social security fraud. Fitzsimmons was also ordered to pay about $144,415 in restitution. Fitzsimmons pleaded guilty on February 22, 2017.

According to court records, the defendant began receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) payments in 2002. SSDI benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) to people with disabilities. From 2003 to 2013, the defendant and his dependents received about $144,415 in SSDI benefits. In order to obtain those benefits, the defendant was required to certify that he could no longer perform “substantial gainful work.” In numerous forms submitted to the SSA and at an in-person SSA interview, the defendant reported little work activity and very low annual earnings between 2003 and 2013. In fact, an investigation revealed that, contrary to his statements, the defendant was actively and consistently engaged in commercial fishing over that period.

The case was investigated by SSA’s Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Coast Guard.