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The Suffolk County District Attorney's Insurance Crime Bureau arrested Rone Barcelos, of Southampton, on April 15, charging him with fraudulent practices in violation of Section 114 of the New York State Workers' Compensation Law, a felony. Mr. Barcelos' arrest followed a joint investigation by Suffolk County DA Thomas Spota's Office, the New York State Insurance Department Frauds Bureau and NYSIF's Division of Confidential Investigations.
Investigators said Mr. Barcelos, owner of North Star Flooring in Bayshore, NY, carried workers' compensation insurance for his company with NYSIF, but allegedly underreported his payroll to lower his premium.
“Workers' compensation premium fraud puts competing businesses that pay their fair share for workers' compensation coverage at a competitive disadvantage,” NYSIF Chief Deputy Executive Director Francine James said. “When businesses cheat the cost is borne across the economy, causing consumers to pay higher prices for goods and services.”
According to investigators, Mr. Barcelos allegedly failed to report approximately $700,000 in sales from 2008 to 2009, resulting in a lower cost for workers' compensation insurance during that period. By allegedly falsifying his payroll reporting, Mr. Barcelos underpaid his NYSIF premium by $33,000, investigators said.
Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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