United States of America v. Robert Anthony Monsen

Salt Lake City, Utah criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Fraudulently Collecting Disability Benefits

Utah Man Sentenced to Prison After Fraudulently Collecting Over Half a Million Dollars in Disability Benefits

Robert Anthony Monsen, 49, of Herriman, Utah, was charged with defrauding the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare after he fraudulently collected over 13 years' worth of SSA disability and Medicare benefits.



According to court documents and statements made at Monsen's change of plea and sentencing hearings, Monsen collected SSA disability and Medicare benefits for the period of September 2010 to November 2023, claiming severe back injuries that rendered him unable to work. Mr. Monsen continually claimed that he was too disabled to work. However, he worked several jobs – including active work for the bail bonds, security, and restaurant businesses. During this time, Monsen concealed his income and functionality from SSA, in part by routing his paychecks through an LLC in another individual's name. He also took several vacations in the U.S. and overseas, snorkeling, enjoying the beach, and assisting fighters inside the ring at a mixed martial arts event.



According to court documents, until November 2023, Monsen continued to receive Title II Disability benefits at a rate of $1,981.00 per month for himself, in addition to other family benefits. During the 13 years of disability benefits, he did not report any improvements in his condition to SSA, despite continuous reminders that he was obligated to do so if his health improved or if he was able to begin work. In total, Monsen fraudulently obtained over half a million dollars ($561,050.70) in federal funds set aside for some of society's most vulnerable members. The calculation includes $274,479.10 in Title II disability benefits, $59,492.00 in child auxiliary benefits, and $227,079.60 in Medicare claims.



"Mr. Monsen not only fraudulently obtained over half a million dollars from taxpayers, but he took benefits reserved from individuals who cannot work due to a severe medical condition,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins. "Protecting the community and vulnerable populations is a priority for my office and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice through prosecution.”



"This 18-month prison sentence was based on Mr. Monson's deceitful and criminal scheme to defraud SSA. Social Security disability insurance benefits are vital to individuals and their families who qualify to receive them. My office will continue to protect these essential benefits by pursuing perpetrators,” said Hannibal "Mike” Ware, Acting Inspector General for SSA. "I thank the U.S. Attorney's Office and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sachiko J. Jepson for prosecuting this case.”



The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit.



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