Fraudster Sentenced for Deceitfully Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits

Salt Lake City, Utah – Calvin Perry, 53, of Sandy, Utah, was sentenced today to 12 months’ home detention, four years’ probation, and ordered by the court to pay $130,901 in restitution after defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) for at least six years. 

On July 1, 2024, Perry pleaded guilty to theft of government property before a U.S. District Court Judge. 

According to court documents and statements made at Perry’s sentencing hearing, beginning by at least March 2017 and continuing until October 2023, Perry stole funds from the United States, specifically benefits from the SSA. Perry was initially granted SSA disability benefits in November 2012 after he claimed he could not work due to a back injury. At that time, and on several later occasions, the SSA reminded Perry of his duty to update the SSA of various changes, including those related to work, income, and improvements in his condition. Yet, in March 2017, Perry began working full time at a lawncare company, earning a monthly salary of $4,400, without notifying SSA. In October and November 2023, SSA agents observed Perry actively engaged in manual labor for this company, including, heavy lifting and unloading large equipment while bending and twisting his back.

After SSA received reports of Perry’s work concealment, it gave Perry the opportunity to complete a Continuing Disability Review Report. However, he failed to respond, and SSA suspended Perry’s benefits. In November 2023, Perry visited the South Jordan SSA Field office and filed a Continuing Disability Review Report and a Work Activity Report, claiming that he had not worked since 2011 and still struggled with basic tasks like standing, walking, and getting dressed. However, in December 2023 SSA agents interviewed Perry and his employer, who both admitted that Perry had been working for several years.

In total, Perry received overpayment of $130.901.00 in Social Security benefits. Additionally, according to court documents, Perry is a repeat offender, having a prior state conviction in 2005 for attempting to receive unemployment benefits while he was employed.

The case was investigated jointly by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachi J. Jepson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.