Syracuse Attorney Sentenced for Social Security Disability Fraud

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK -- Richard S. Hartunian, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York announced today that Christopher Chadick, 63, of Syracuse, N.Y. was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby to a five (5) year term of probation with 6 months of intermittent weekend confinement in connection with his plea of guilty to Social Security Fraud. Chadick was also ordered to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $247,269.40.

As part of his guilty plea on November 23, 2015, Chadick admitted that from April 2003 through August 2010, he was engaged in significant gainful employment as an attorney. He did not disclose to the Social Security Administration that he was working in any capacity after the year 2000. The evidence in the case showed that Chadick operated a law firm, handled bankruptcy actions, appeared in town courts, and later was employed by a law firm. He further admitted that he concealed his employment to fraudulently secure his monthly disability benefits. Chadick never informed the Social Security Administration of any improvement in his medical condition or that he was able to work as a lawyer while receiving Social Security Disability benefits.

The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, based on a referral from the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee for the Northern District of New York and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara B. Thomson.