Edmond Anadio, a 64-year-old resident of Gloversville, New York, was arrested on allegations of disability benefits fraud. Authorities claim that between 2021 and 2024, Anadio unlawfully obtained nearly $85,000 in benefits by falsely claiming to be disabled while employed full-time at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Albany. He reportedly retired early from his VA position earlier this year.
The arrest was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge for the Boston / New York Field Division of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG); and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge for the Northeast Field Office of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (VA-OIG).
Anadio was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista at a federal courthouse in Albany. He was released pending further proceedings.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Edmond Anadio had a position of public trust and was well compensated for it — he worked for the VA earning over $100,000 a year. But that wasn’t enough, and he also pocketed up to $30,000 a year in disability benefits. My office has no tolerance for anyone who steals public money, let alone while also taking a paycheck from the taxpayer. We are glad he is no longer working for the VA and are prosecuting this case vigorously.”
Amy Connelly said: “We appreciate the assistance from our partners at the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office during this significant Social Security disability fraud investigation. Federal employees are held to a higher standard of integrity and Edmond Anadio violated that standard. Our office will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect the Social Security trust funds for those who truly deserve them.”
Christopher Algieri commented: “This indictment sends a clear message that VA-OIG will diligently investigate those who would misuse their positions of public trust to commit fraud. VA-OIG appreciates the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office throughout this investigation and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable.”
The indictment notes that all charges are accusations and that Anadio is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted on charges related to submitting false disability benefit applications, Anadio could face up to five years in prison, three years supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Sentencing decisions would be made by a judge considering relevant statutes and guidelines.
The SSA-OIG is leading the investigation with support from VA-OIG; Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is handling prosecution.
