Mystic man charged with fraudulent receipt of disability benefits

A former welder for Electric Boat has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that he collected nearly $12,000 in disability benefits while working for another employer.

Frederick Crandall, 62, of Mystic is charged with six counts of mail fraud.

According to U.S. Attorney David B. Fein, Crandall claimed in March 2003 that he had injured his lower back and left leg while pulling welding leads in the boatyard. He filed a claim for workers compensation and EB began providing payments and medical benefits about a year later. In December 2004, Crandall was placed on restricted duty and worked as an escort within the EB complex. He initially agreed to perform the escorts tasks, but in January 2005, he “caused his doctor” to provide a letter claiming he was totally disabled due to chronic lower back disease and unable to do any type of work, according to Fein.

Crandall is accused of falsely claiming to EB employees, his doctor, independent medical professionals and others that he was totally disabled to work as a welder at EB or to find suitable alternative work. During this time, he worked for another business, despite the claim that he was totally disabled, according to Fein.

Each of the six mail count frauds relates to a disability check in the amount of $1,993.08 that Crandall received from EB between April 2007 and November 2008. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years on each count.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Douglas P. Morabito.