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Manhattan D.A. Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said defendants faked psychiatric problems, even blaming the 9/11 attacks for their conditions. (Associated Press)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A former police officer from Staten Island turned alleged scam artist who is accused of collecting nearly $150,000 in disability payments by lying about having depression related to post-9/11 trauma, bragged about his influx of cash in online videos, according to a report from ABC News.

Vincent Lamantia, 43, of New Dorp, whom prosecutors charged back in January with faking psychiatric problems in order to get federal disability benefits, posted videos online saying, "They keep paying us. They keep downloading money every single week. We're getting emails that said, 'Congratulations, you have money,'" according to the report.

ABC News reported that Lamantia had earned big bucks after claiming his depression had prevented him from going to his job. He collected $150,000 in disability payments, despite working for an energy company and traveling abroad to countries such as Indonesia, the report says.

Lamantia was indicted along with seven other borough residents and scores of retired New York City police officers, firefighters and prison guards back in January. All are