Correction Officer Charged With Workers Compensation Fraud
October 12, 2010
The New York State Insurance Fund today announced the arrest of a Washington County man who is alleged to have lied about his employment while receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Charles Little, 55, of Hudson Falls, NY, a New York State correction officer, was injured while working and based on the injury was receiving workers’ compensation benefits from NYSIF.
According to investigators, Mr. Little, while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, was working with his brother, who owns a plumbing and heating/home improvement business.
It is alleged that the claimant signed four official forms indicating he had not returned to work and denied he was working while testifying under oath at a New York State Workers’ Compensation Board hearing.
Albany Police arrested Mr. Little on October 7, following an investigation by NYSIF’s Division of Confidential Investigations and the New York State Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau.
Following his arraignment in Albany City Court on a felony workers’ compensation fraud charge, Mr. Little was released on his own recognizance pending further court action. The case is being prosecuted by the Albany County District Attorney’s office.
The value of the fraud in this case is $16,543.56. Estimated future savings exceeds $285,000.
Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.