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Ocean County Man Admits To Fraudulently Obtaining Over $250,000 In Social Security Disability Benefits

Apr 14, 2025

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey man admitted he defrauded the Social Security Administration for nearly eight years in order to improperly obtain over $250,000.00 in Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

Krzysztof Niedzielski, 49, of Toms River, New Jersey, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with theft of public money and making false statements to the Social Security Administration.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From at least as early as 2012 through at least as recently as 2020, Niedzielski obtained approximately $270,933.10 in Social Security disability benefits for himself, his wife, and his dependent children on the basis that he was disabled and could not work. During this period, Niedzielski managed and performed physical labor for a home improvement contracting company where he obtained a substantial income. However, during this time, Niedzielski failed to notify the Social Security Administration of his employment and income. Niedzielski knowingly and intentionally concealed this work from the Social Security Administration to prevent any reduction in disability benefits.

The charge of theft of public money carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and the charge of making false statement to the Social Security Administration carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. Each charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2025.

U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

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