AppalReD and attorney recognized for efforts in Eric C. Conn social security fraud case

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) - A legal services company and an attorney who operates out of Floyd County were recently recognized in Nashville, Tennessee for the roles they played in responding to the Eric C. Conn Social Security fraud crisis.

AppalReD Legal Aid and Ned Pillersdorf received the Nancy G. Shor Leadership Award at the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representative (NOSSCR) Conference last week.

Advocacy Director of AppalReD Evan Smith accepted the award on AppalReD Legal Aid’s behalf.

“When I look at the incredible attorneys who have won this award, I can’t make sense of a scrappy legal aid from Appalachia up on this stage. But then I realized, the reason is you,” said Smith. “All of you at NOSSCR who have defended a Conn victim. We would not be up here without you, and we still need you.”

The Eric C. Conn Social Security fraud resulted in thousands of low-income Eastern Kentuckians losing their social security benefits.

“The Conn crisis has been absolutely devastating for low-income disabled people in our communities” said Pro Bono Director Charnel Burton. “Hearings continue nearly a decade later. The victims of Eric Conn and the Social Security judges’ bribery scheme still need help.”