Aug. 28, 2019 By Allie Griffin
An ex-cop from Long Island City was arrested for wire fraud today after allegedly stealing more than $130,000 in Social Security benefits intended for his two children over a period of eight years, according to the U.S. Attorney Eastern District of New York Office.
Michael Conway, 60, began receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration after he suffered a work-related injury in May 2009 while employed by the NYPD.
According to the criminal complaint, in August of the same year, Conway applied for auxiliary benefits for his two twin 8-year-olds, falsely claiming they lived with him in Long Island City and that he was their sole financial provider.
In reality, the twins had never lived with Conway. Their mother was awarded custody of the children in December 2002, according to the complaint.
“As alleged in the complaint, for nearly a decade, the defendant committed a fraud on his family and SSA by unlawfully collecting and keeping funds that had been provided for the care of his children based on false statements he made to the government,” United States Attorney Richard Donoghue said. “This Office will remain vigilant in identifying and prosecuting those like the defendant who collect benefits to which they are not entitled.”
Conway’s alleged lie finally came to light when his son applied to the SSA for benefits years later and learned that his father had already been receiving benefits on his behalf, totaling $138,016, the document stated.
If convicted, Conway faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and restitution. He will appear in Brooklyn federal court this afternoon.
