Prosecutors dismissed charges Thursday against eight defendants ensnared in a massive Social Security disability scam that netted dozens of arrests, including mostly retired city cops and firefighters.  The cleared disability recipients are former NYPD members Michael Kull, David Lopez, Edward Mahoney, Mergim Nesimi, Michael Rocco and George Byrnes. Former Department of Sanitation employee Nicholas Secchi and civilian elevator repairman Peter Martin also saw their charges tossed.  A total of over 130 defendants were charged in two waves of indictments brought by the Manhattan District Attorney between January and February of this year for allegedly bilking the system out of more than $20 million. They were charged with grand larceny and related counts.  The former FDNY and NYPD members allegedly claimed to suffer from stress-related woes, many citing their experiences on 9/11, that prevented them working — while collecting disability checks that funded a carefree lifestyle.  The dismissal for the eight defendants came after “we obtained additional information and records, from the defense and other sources, much of which was unavailable at the time of indictment,” according to a letter filed by the DA.  “This newly discovered information initiated a reassessment of the evidence.”  Hull was working as a sergeant in the First Precinct, which covered the World Trade Center site, when the planes hit the towers in 2001.  He was a first responder and worked the recovery effort for about a year, eventually overseeing the transport of remains. He retired a few years later because of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease but has also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by multiple doctors.  “I answered the call on 9/11. I did my job. I was sickened as a result of it and I did not disgrace my family, did not tarnish my shield,” he said - in a reference to statements made by Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor de Blasio after the first group of arrests.  Hull said his family was “financially crippled” by the case.  Martin, 50, who walks with a cane after a debilitating accident in 2006 while on the job as an elevator repairman, was tearful after learning that the case that he says left him destitute had been tossed.  “It’s been hell. I’m just happy,” he said.  “I just hope I get everything back.”
Manhattan prosecutors dismissed the charges on Thursday, saying they had uncovered new evidence that led them to re-evaluate the case against the accused scammers.