Fugitive Lawyer Spotted In New Mexico, Sentenced In Absentia to 12 Years

The FBI is on the hunt for Eric Conn, an attorney convicted in a
Social Security disability scam. Photo: Shutterstock

The FBI says that fugitive attorney Eric Conn, who was convicted in a Social Security disability fraud scheme, was spotted at a gas station and a Walmart in New Mexico.

On July 14, Conn was sentenced in absentia to 12 years in prison. He was also ordered to pay almost $170 million in restitution, a $50,000 fine, and a forfeiture judgment of $5,750, 404.

“The negative impact of Conn’s presence in our community will be felt for generations,” the FBI’s statement reads. “His flight from prosecution has diminished any legitimacy and integrity he once held as an attorney and officer of the court.”

Conn had pled guilty to the scam and been released on bond pending his sentencing. On June 2, Conn’s electronic monitoring ankle bracelet was found in a backpack on interstate 75 in Lexington, wrapped in metallic material in an effort to hide the signal.

The FBI’s investigation revealed that Conn fled using a truck owned and registered by a co-conspirator to a dummy company in Montana. The agency traced the truck to where it was abandoned “for us to find” in New Mexico near the border with Mexico.

Conn made several stops along the way to New Mexico. At the gas station and Walmart, he was captured on surveillance cameras. The FBI says that there is no indication that Conn actually crossed the border into Mexico.

“We are actively seizing bank accounts and disrupting other means of support while pursuing law enforcement action against co-conspirators in his flight. It is in the best interest of anyone helping him to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid criminal charges for providing aid to him,” the FBI said.

“Conn continues to become isolated from family, friends, and associates who are turning their backs on him or are rendered unable to help him,” the agency added. “His resources are continually dwindling.”

The FBI released the surveillance photos of Conn, which show his current appearance, and is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.