Nashua Comic Book Seller Sentenced For $90K Scam

CONCORD, NH — A Nashua man stole nearly $90,000 in disability benefits based on fake claims that he was injured and unable to work, according to federal authorities. Kenneth Dunn, 60, was sentenced to six months of home confinement and three years of probation, New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Scott Murray announced Thursday. Dunn is a former mailman who started his career in 1985.

In 2010, Dunn started receiving disability benefits after employment-related injuries to his neck, back, and arm, according to Murray.

"Dunn repeatedly reported ... that was not able to work in any capacity and he was not engaged in any employment activity," Murray said in a statement.

However, investigators said Dunn worked as a comic book seller and engaged in normal physical activities.

"The activities included: entering and exiting his car; clearing substantial amounts of snow off, and from around, his car; driving; walking up and down a flight of 30 stairs; conducting personal and business-related errands for several hours; and lifting and carrying items of various size, shape, and weight," Murray said. "Dunn was able to perform these tasks without any apparent physical limitation, pain, or discomfort and in conflict with medical documentation from Dunn’s treating physician."

Investigators said Dunn also worked at comic book conventions and conducted "thousands" of transactions from 2010 to 2017.

"Dunn set up a vendor booth and repeatedly bent over to place or pick up large boxes filled with comic books," Murray said. "He set up and dismantled a comic book display, sold comic books for cash, and stood and sat for long periods without any apparent physical limitation or discomfort."

From 2016 to 2018 alone, Dunn collected $87,736 in disability benefits based on his fraudulent claims, according to Murray. Those collecting disability benefits are required to report business income and changes to their physical condition, which Dunn failed to do, according to Murray.

"Workers’ compensation benefits are an important source of financial support for people who are truly unable to work due to their disabilities," Murray said. "Those who seek to defraud the workers’ compensation system undermine the integrity of the program in an effort to obtain benefits they do not deserve. Federal law enforcement agencies will remain vigilant to detect and prosecute fraudsters, ensuring that benefits only go to those who deserve to receive them.”

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