The Big Conn

Pikeville, Kentucky native son Eric Christopher Conn took the U. S. government, via the Social Security Administration Disability payment program, for an estimated $2.62 billion, of which $550,000 went directly into his pockets. Married 16 times and prone to flee rather than atone for his sins, Eric is a real piece of work, promising Appalachian Valley residents their Social Security checks (typically $900 a month) in 30 days rather than the 18 months that was the norm. And he delivered on that promise, no matter how it was achieved.

Did he get a lot of business? Oh, my, yes! Even after the whistleblowers trying to report his actions (Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith) were ignored for 6 years and the SSA failed to follow up on numerous reports of a corrupt judge, lawyer and doctor, who formed a triumvirate of evil, Conn got additional clients because he got results. He even got more clients when it became clear that is promises of prompt payment were valid.

Nevermind the fallout from all of this graft, which included at least 3 suicides, Congressional hearings, destitute victims who were legitimate, and prison sentences that seem far too lenient for most,

This is a great story, told in 4 parts, and one that was initially uncovered by Wall Street Journal reporter Damian Polito, covered at one point by "Sixty MInutes" and has everything to keep you interested for its four well-researched episodes.