U.S.

NYC disability fraud case: 28 new indictments issued

February 25, 2014 / 10:36 AM EST / CBS/AP

NEW YORK -- Law enforcers say 28 new indictments have been issued in New York as part of a sprawling Social Security disability fraud case.

According to The New York Times the defendants were expected to be brought to court on Tuesday.

Authorities said in January that a decades-long scam netted more than $20 million in Social Security disability payments.

They say recipients claimed they could barely care for themselves but were engaged in a wide range of activities that proved otherwise.

Prosecutors say many recipients were advised to link their supposed symptoms to 9/11.

Authorities previously announced the arrest of three advisers, a lawyer and more than 100 benefits recipients, including former police officers and firefighters.

NYC disability fraud could reach $400 million 02:18

Last month, CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor reported that, according to the prosecution, Louis Hurtado was starring in instructional videos as a 6th-degree black belt, while telling the New York Police Department he was disabled with neck injuries and psychological problems. He is accused of taking $470,000 over 24 years.

Richard Cosentino allegedly received $207,000 while claiming he was too depressed to go outside after the attacks on 9/11.

Glenn Lieberman received $174,000. He was also too depressed to go outside.

Said New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton: "As a New Yorker, as a U.S. citizen, I can only express disgust at the actions of the individuals involved in this scheme."

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