Oklahoma Resident Charged for Fraudulently Trying to Claim Disability Benefits

Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Fraud Unit has filed charges against a Lexington man for trying to falsely obtain disability benefits.

Costell V. Strong, 43, was charged in Oklahoma County District Court after investigators alleged he tried to obtain Social Security Disability Benefits under false pretenses.

Strong’s initial claim was denied in Dec. 2010. In July 2011, his claim was reviewed. Due to conflicting evidence, the claim was referred to the Cooperative Disability Investigation Fraud Unit, which is staffed jointly by the AG’s office and the U.S. Social Security Administration.  

During the investigation, it was revealed that Strong allegedly omitted his work history, employer information, salary, special payments and work expense information on his written reconsideration request for social security. He stated he had not worked since May of 2010. In an interview with investigators, Strong admitted to being employed full time.  

The Attorney General’s Workers’ Compensation and Insurance Fraud Unit is the only Oklahoma law enforcement agency dedicated to the investigation and prosecution of workers’ compensation and insurance fraud. The Unit also helps raise public awareness of fraud in Oklahoma.