In 2008, I joined Pulitzer Prize winner Walt Bogdanich at The New York Times to look into rumors of pension fraud at the Long Island Rail Road, the nation's busiest commuter line. The ensuing investigation revealed that nearly all former LIRR employees were getting federal disability payments. Many enjoyed their "disabled" retirement by playing golf. The series led to over 30 criminal convictions, and dozens of former workers avoided prosecution by admitting guilt and giving up their benefits. Federal prosecutors said the scam could have cost the Railroad Retirement Board more than $1 billion if all the funds had been disbursed.
A Disability Epidemic Among a Railroad’s Retirees
Unit Created to Examine Disabilities at L.I.R.R.
Retirees May Be Abusing Insurance, L.I.R.R. Says
Subpoenas for Insurers of Workers at L.I.R.R.
Lawmakers Seek Oversight of Railroad Retirees
2nd Disability Exam Advised for L.I.R.R. Workers
Railroad Retiree Board Vows Oversight of L.I.R.R.
The Disability Board that Couldn't Say No
Read about the criminal charges filed in October 2011 and September 2012.