U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney
D istrict of Connecticut

Connecticut Financial Center (203) 821-3700
157 Church Street Fax (203) 773-5376
New Haven, Connecticut 06510 www.usdoj.gov/usao/ct

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tom Carson
May 14, 2009
Public Information Office
(203) 821-3722
(203) 996-1393 (cell)

WALLINGFORD MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD

Nora R. Dannehy, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICHARD A. CASTALDI, SR., 53, of Park Street, Wallingford, waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Donna F. Martinez in Hartford to one count of theft from the Social Security Administration.

According to documents filed with the Court and statements made in court, from April 2002 through November 2008, CASTALDI knowingly and willfully stole Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits to which he was not entitled. During this time, CASTALDI represented to the Social Security Administration that, except for one year, he was not working when, in fact, he was employed as a trucker for several local trucking companies. Had CASTALDI reported the full extent of his employment and earnings as required, he would have been disqualified from receiving the disability payments. In addition, CASTALDI admitted to using the social security numbers and names of family members and being paid under-the-table wages in the course of his criminal conduct. The total amount of loss to the Social Security Administration was $64,258.

CASTALDI is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny on July 31, 2009, at which time CASTALDI faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000. CASTALDI also is obligated to make mandatory restitution for the total loss amount.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of Investigations, Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant
United States Attorney David T. Huang.