United States Attorney's Office District of Connecticut
Press Release

EAST HAVEN WOMAN SENTENCED FOR STEALING GOVERNMENT FUNDS

Kevin J. O'Connor, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANDREA RISKIN, age 41, of 75 Redwood Drive, Apt. 1310, East Haven, Connecticut, was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to five years' probation as a result of her conviction for theft of government funds. United States District Judge Janet C. Hall also ordered RISKIN to spend the first six months of her probation confined to her home, and to pay restitution of $36,499.50 to the Government. RISKIN pleaded guilty to a one-count Information on December 22, 2003.

In pleading guilty, RISKIN admitted that she received monthly disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration ("SSA") on the basis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. From September 1997 through February 2002, RISKIN worked and received regular pay for her work while she also received SSA disability payments. During this time period, RISKIN filed numerous forms with the SSA in which she falsely stated that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome rendered her unable to work, and that she was not, in fact, working. RISKIN admitted that she knowingly provided this false information because she wanted to continue to receive her monthly disability payments. RISKIN's conduct resulted in a $36,499.50 loss of government funds.

"Persons who receive government monies based on deceit and deception will be prosecuted, as these individuals deprive the government of the resources needed to provide benefits to all who are sincerely eligible to receive them," U.S. Attorney O'Connor stated.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric J. Glover.

CONTACT:

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