Former NYPD, Living in Hudson Valley Accused of Disability Fraud

Two former police officers living in the Hudson Valley are accused of deceitfully earning nearly $1 million in disability benefits.

On Wednesday, former NYPD officer Gerard Scparta and former NYPD Detective Kenneth Rubero, both from the Hudson Valley, were arrested for separate schemes to fraudulently obtain nearly $1 million in disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Both falsely represented to the SSA that they could not work due to disability and failed to report earnings from employment as required, officials say.

While collecting disability benefits, each are accused of working in various positions and earning over $2 million.

Around 1997, Scparta of Campbell Hall reportedly sustained an injury. The now 53-year-old signed materials that stated he suffered from severe depression and anxiety, could not do anything around his house and was unable to work in any capacity, officials say.

Download the Hudson Valley Post App

While claiming he couldn’t work, and receiving approximately $638,000 in disability benefits, Scparta earned $1.6 million working as a security guard and host at a New York City strip club, according to court records.

In 1997, Rubero of White Plains stopped working with the NYPD and began receiving disability benefits due to claimed problems with his knees, neck and back, officials say.

Rubero, now 53, is accused of receiving $396,000 in disability benefits while earning approximately $720,000 running a check cashing and money services business in the Bronx.

Both were charged with theft of government property, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and making false statements in connection with Social Security disability benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.