NY Restaurateur Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud

Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that a Far Rockaway restaurant owner was arrested this morning for allegedly lying about her injuries and employment status in order to wrongfully receive more than $69,000 in disability and workers’ compensation insurance payments. Michelle Buggs, 45, of Inwood, was arraigned today before District Court Judge Joseph Girardi and charged with Grand Larceny in the 2nd Degree (a C felony), Insurance Fraud in the 2nd Degree (a C felony), Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree (a D felony) Insurance Fraud in the 3rd Degree (a D felony), Perjury in the 1st Degree (a D felony), Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (an E felony), and Workers’ Compensation Fraud Fraudulent Practices (an E felony).