A Toms River resident has pleaded guilty to stealing over $270,000 in Social Security disability benefits over an eight-year span, according to U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Despite claiming he was unable to work, Krzysztof Niedzielski, 49, was earning “a substantial income” doing manual labor for a construction contractor.
Niedzielski faced charges of theft of public money and making false statements to the Social Security Administration. Now, he could spend up to 15 years in federal prison and face $500,000 in fines. His sentencing is scheduled for August 5 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton.
Between 2012 and 2020, Niedzielski collected $270,933.10 in Social Security disability insurance benefits on behalf of himself, his wife, and their children by claiming he was disabled and unable to work.
During those same years, he managed and physically worked for a home improvement contracting company, generating significant income. However, he failed to report his employment and earnings to the Social Security Administration.
“Niedzielski knowingly and intentionally concealed this work from the Social Security Administration to prevent any reduction in disability benefits,” Habba said in a statement.
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, led by Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, investigated the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Abrams in Newark prosecuted it on behalf of the federal government.
