Brian Gill, a 59-year-old resident of Andes, New York, has pleaded guilty to social security fraud. The plea was entered on January 20, 2026, according to an announcement from First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and 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).
Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, while he was receiving social security disability benefits, he managed and performed physical labor for a tree services company that he owned and operated. He also acknowledged concealing his employment from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and falsely stating on an SSA form that he had not been working.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This kind of social security fraud is a serious offense that robs taxpayers of funds needed to assist those who are truly unable to work. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, people who try to game the system, like this defendant, are identified and held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly added: “Brian Gill chose to lie to obtain Social Security disability insurance benefits while actively working physical labor for a tree service he owned. Social Security disability insurance benefits are reserved for individuals who are truly unable to work. When someone misrepresents their abilities to collect benefits they are not entitled to, it undermines the integrity of the program and steals from hardworking taxpayers. We will aggressively pursue those who try to cheat the American taxpayers for personal gain.”
Sentencing is set for May 21, 2026 before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Gill could face up to five years in federal prison and a fine as high as $250,000. As part of his plea agreement, Gill has agreed to pay restitution for the funds he improperly received from SSA. Sentencing decisions will be based on relevant statutes, U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
The investigation was led by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General with help from the Offices of the New York State Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Gillis and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case.
