Maryland Man Indicted in Alleged $270,000 Disability Benefits Fraud Scheme

A Prince George’s County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of wire fraud, theft of government property, and failure to disclose an event after allegedly concealing gainful employment while receiving disability benefits. Prosecutors say the scheme spanned years and involved two businesses operating in Maryland and Virginia.

According to the indictment unsealed in Baltimore, 49-year-old Andrew Langford of Ft. Washington applied for Social Security disability benefits in 2008, citing a disabling condition that rendered him unable to work. He later applied for additional benefits on behalf of his minor children. Although he was awarded the benefits in 2009 and reminded of his legal obligation to report any changes to his health or employment status, investigators allege Langford failed to do so after returning to work.

From January 2014 through May 2021, Langford allegedly collected more than $270,000 in disability benefits to which he was not entitled. Authorities say he continued receiving payments by concealing his ownership and operation of two companies: NDA Cleaning Services in Maryland and CK Janitors, Inc. in Virginia. He reportedly used IRS systems to obtain employer identification numbers for these businesses, which were tied to the alleged fraud.

Langford now faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, 10 years for theft of government property, and five years for failing to report a change in circumstance. If convicted, sentencing will be determined by a federal judge in accordance with federal guidelines. The indictment is not a determination of guilt, and Langford is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland.

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