Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Social Security Disability Fraud

The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Gail S. Ennis, is announcing the sentencing of Christopher Hynek in the Western District of Wisconsin. Hynek was sentenced on March 12, 2021 to 1 year and 1 day of incarceration, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $98,256 in restitution to SSA. He pleaded guilty in September 2020 to one count of failure to notify SSA of events affecting his eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

According to a 2018 grand jury indictment, Hynek made a claim to his private disability insurer in 2002 for injuries he had suffered to his arms in 2000. He then filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in 2003, alleging the same injuries.

While receiving benefits, Hynek was working at his father’s family-owned printing business, Hynek Printing. In addition to other duties, Hynek had a significant role in the company’s expansion, helping manage two other printing companies Hynek Printing acquired.

In a hearing with an SSA administrative law judge, Hynek stated the earnings on his record were gifts from his father to assist him. In fact, he was working, and continued to work, above the substantial gainful activity level, which would have made him ineligible for benefits.

“This sentencing should stand as a warning to those who would conceal information from SSA to receive benefits—we will hold you accountable,” said Inspector General Ennis. “The Office of the Inspector General will continue to ensure the integrity of SSA’s programs, which provide a critical safety net for those who cannot work.”

This case was investigated by the SSA Office of the Inspector General’s Chicago Field Division, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Wayland Quon. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Anderson and Zachary Corey prosecuted the case. Inspector General Ennis thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin for its efforts that led to today’s sentencing.

Public citizens are encouraged to report suspected Social Security fraud to the OIG at https://oig.ssa.gov.