Morris County Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Disability Compensation Fraud

False Claims Lead to $156,872 in Illegally Obtained Benefits

MORRISTOWN, NJ – A 60-year-old Morris County woman, employed by the U.S. Postal Service, has admitted to making false statements on disability claim forms, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. Pamela VanSyckle of Oak Ridge, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to federal employee compensation fraud in Newark federal court before U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden.

Court documents and statements reveal that VanSyckle, while working as a rural carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, filed a claim in September 2020 alleging a work-related injury. She subsequently submitted multiple federal claim forms stating she had not worked or had outside employment for extended periods. These claims resulted in her receiving $156,872 in disability payments from the federal government.

Contrary to her claims, VanSyckle was actively working as the owner and operator of a travel agency during the time she received disability benefits. She was involved in various roles including sales, marketing, and financial operations for the agency, while her claim forms falsely stated she was not self-employed or engaged in any business enterprise.

The charge of federal employee compensation fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain from the offense. VanSyckle's sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2024.

This case was investigated by special agents of the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modaferri in Newark; special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone; and the Jefferson Township Police Department, under Chief Paul Castimore.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas S. Kearney of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit in Newark is representing the government in this case. This guilty plea marks a significant development in the enforcement of laws against fraud and abuse of federal compensation programs.