Philadelphia Doctor Charged In Scheme To Defraud Social Security

PHILADELPHIA – An indictment was unsealed today charging Dr. Frederick Douglas Burton, 67, of Conshohocken, PA, with two counts of mail fraud and attempted mail fraud, announced United States Attorney Zane David Memeger.

According to the indictment, in November 2013, Dr. Burton met with Dr. Dennis Erik Fluck Von Kiel and agreed to sign and send letters to support what Von Kiel knew would be a fraudulent application for social security disability benefits.  The letters contained representations that Von Kiel was unable to work as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Burton was not a psychiatrist, had no specialized mental health training, and did not diagnose Dr. Von Kiel with PTSD or receive a referral from another doctor who had diagnosed Dr. Von Kiel with PTSD.  In order to help Von Kiel file a fraudulent application for social security disability benefits, Burton allegedly signed and mailed two letters, containing false representations, to a law firm that specializes in social security benefit applications.  

If convicted, Dr. Buton faces a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release, a possible fine, and a $200 special assessment.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff.

An Indictment is an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.