Edmond Anadio, 64, of Gloversville, New York, was arrested on allegations of fraudulently obtaining nearly $85,000 in disability benefits between 2021 and 2024. Authorities allege that Anadio claimed to be disabled while working full time for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in Albany. He reportedly took early retirement from the VA earlier this year.
The arrest was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston / New York Field Division for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG); and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Field Office for the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General (VA-OIG).
The U.S. Marshals Service arrested Anadio and brought him to federal court in Albany. He was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista and 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 added: “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 charges are accusations only; Anadio is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
If convicted on submitting a false application for disability benefits, Anadio faces up to five years in prison, up to three years supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.
SSA-OIG is leading this investigation with support from VA-OIG; Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Walter is prosecuting.
