Ex-Bergen County Private Eye Admits Disability Fraud, Authorities Say

A Bergen County man was sentenced to 23 months in prison Tuesday after authorities say he fraudulently collected disability payments while running a private detective firm, authorities announced this week.

According to a release from District Attorney Paul Fishman Tuesday, David Disney, 46, of Saddle Brook and Alexandria Township in Hunterdon County pleaded guilty after one day of trial to a charge of theft of government funds.

Disney received Social Security disability payments from 2003 to 2008 by claiming he was too hurt from a head injury to work, Fishman said.

During the five-year period, however, authorities say Disney continued to operate his private detective firm, DM Disney & Associates. He performed surveillance for clients, testified before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board on behalf of clients, applied to renew his New Jersey Private Detective License and purchase a handgun, and even appeared on The Maury Povich Show to promote his business, Fishman said.

Tuesday, Disney admitted to collecting $144,000 in disability payments he knew he wasn’t entitled to receive, Fishman said.

According to the release, U.S. District Judge Faith S. Hochberg sentenced Disney to the prison time and two years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay a $5,000 fine and $144,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration, authorities said.