Eric C. Conn
Eric Christopher Conn (born July 30, 1960) is an American former attorney, convicted felon, and fugitive, who is best known for his role in orchestrating the largest Social Security fraud scheme in United States history[1]. The Social Security Administration estimated that Conn's fraud scheme cost the government around $550 million[1][2]. He was captured in December 2017 after six months[3] on the run and was subsequently sentenced to 27 years in prison[4].
Early Life and Education
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Conn was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, to a family with a long history of practicing law in the area. He attended Belfry High School, where he excelled academically and participated in various extracurricular activities. After graduating in 1978, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1982. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Akron School of Law in 1987[5].
Legal Career
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Eric C. Conn began his legal career in 1987, specializing in Social Security disability claims. He quickly gained a reputation as a highly successful and flamboyant attorney, known for his aggressive marketing tactics, such as purchasing billboards, radio and television ads, and using the nickname "Mr. Social Security."[5][6] In the 1990s and 2000s, he became one of the top disability lawyers in the United States, managing a lucrative law firm based in Stanville, Kentucky, with clients spanning the entire country.
Social Security Fraud Scheme
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Conn's fraud scheme, which ran from 2004 to 2016, involved submitting thousands of falsified medical documents and collaborating with corrupt doctors and a Social Security administrative law judge to approve unmerited disability claims. He also bribed doctors to produce fraudulent medical evidence to support his clients' claims, often without ever examining the clients. This enabled Conn to collect millions of dollars in fees from the Social Security Administration and his clients.
Investigation and Conviction
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In 2011, The Wall Street Journal exposed Conn's fraud scheme, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The investigation culminated in a 2013 report that detailed Conn's fraudulent activities and led to criminal charges being filed against him.
In March 2017, Conn pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and one count of payment of gratuities. He was placed under house arrest pending sentencing but cut off his electronic monitoring device in June 2017, becoming a fugitive. After six months on the run, Conn was captured in Honduras and extradited to the United States. In September 2018, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in the fraud scheme.
Legacy
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The Eric C. Conn case raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of the Social Security disability system to fraud and led to reforms aimed at improving oversight and accountability. In the wake of the scandal, thousands of Conn's former clients were subject to claim re-evaluations, leading to financial hardship and distress for many individuals.
References
- ^ a b Office of Public Affairs (2018). "Fugitive Lawyer Involved in Largest Social Security Fraud Scheme Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for His Escape and Related Crimes". Department of Justice. Retrieved 14 Apr 2023.
- ^ Office of Public Affairs (2018). "Fugitive Lawyer Pleads Guilty for His Escape and Role in $550 Million Social Security Fraud Scheme". Department of Justice. Retrieved 14 Apr 2023.
- ^ Wolfson, Andrew (4 Dec 2017). "Fugitive Kentucky Lawyer Eric Conn Captured in Honduras After Six Months on the Lam". Louisville Courier-Journal. Retrieved 14 Apr 2023.
- ^ Wymer, Garrett (7 Sep 2018). "Eric Conn Sentenced 15 Additional Years in Prison, Owes Millions in Restitution". WYMT. Retrieved 14 Apr 2023.
- ^ a b Estep, Bill (5 Dec 2017). "'A Really Odd Person:' Fugitive Lawyer Eric C. Con's Bizarre Life Story". Lexington Herald-Leader. Retrieved 14 Apr 2023.
- ^ Conn Greer, Chelise L. (2018). "Less Due Process Than Terrorists: An Analysis of the Eric C. Conn Fiasco". Kentucky Law Journal. 107 (1): 149–168.