Correction Officers Accused of Defrauding NYC Workers’ Comp System Through False Injury Claims

Federal prosecutors have charged three current and former New York City correction officers with defrauding the city’s workers’ compensation system by falsely claiming injuries sustained during use-of-force incidents at Rikers Island. According to unsealed indictments, the individuals allegedly fabricated injuries to obtain nearly $1 million in fraudulent healthcare and workers’ comp benefits over several years.

The accused correction officers are said to have submitted false medical information to the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, their physicians, and independent medical examiners. Prosecutors claim the false statements allowed them to receive substantial financial payouts while engaging in other activities inconsistent with their reported injuries. The fraudulent claims involved incidents with incarcerated individuals that were misrepresented as legitimate workplace injuries.

The scheme prompted a multi-agency investigation involving the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and the New York State Inspector General. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in public systems and noted that a DOI report has proposed policy reforms to reduce the risk of future abuse within the city’s correctional workforce.

Each defendant faces charges of healthcare fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements, which carry serious prison time if convicted. Prosecutors stress that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.