Corrections Officer Suspected of Worker’s Compensation Fraud

Buffalo, NY (WorkersCompensation.com) - A New York corrections officer who worked at a Wyoming correctional facility has been indicted and arrested for allegedly stealing more than $4,000 in workers’ compensation benefits between January and July. A Wyoming County grand jury indicted 31-year-old Brendon Clontz for third-degree grand larceny as well as five counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing all felonies. He is due back in court tomorrow.

Catherine Leahy Scott, New York State’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General, said Clontz began receiving worker’s compensation benefits in January 2018 for a Dec. 2017 work-related injury at the Wyoming Correctional Facility.  Scott was assisted in the investigation by the New York State Insurance Fund, the State Department of Corrections, and Community Supervision. 

Scott said Clontz successively submitted Documentation for Worker’s Compensation Leave forms and a Work Release Form that were both altered to make it appear that his medical providers intended to validate his absences from his job.  

“The charges allege repeat intentional deceptions enabling this prison officer to steal benefits to which he was not entitled,” Scott said. “The workers’ compensation system is meant to benefit hard-working New Yorkers who are actually in need of leave, not those who are simply looking for easy access to unearned paid time off. I will continue to use all resources available to pursue any employee who violates the public trust.”

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