Shelton Man Charged With WC Fraud

Rocky Hill, CT (CompNewsNetwork) - A Shelton man was charged today with Workers' Compensation fraud for allegedly running an ice cream shop while supposedly unable to work because of an on-the-job injury at a New Haven hospital.

David P. Vanwart, III, age 58, of 23 Soundcrest Drive, Shelton, was charged with one count of Workers' Compensation Fraud, a class B felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Mr. VanWart was granted disability benefits after he reported suffering a back injury in July 2006 while employed as a carpenter at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

The warrant alleges that Mr. VanWart was observed working at the counter of an ice cream store in Wolcott on multiple occasions while claiming his work-related injury. Further investigation revealed that Mr. VanWart purchased the "How Sweet It Is" store shortly before his reported injury, the warrant states.

In a deposition, Mr. VanWart admitted to owning and operating the store while continuing to receive benefits from the Yale injury, the warrant states. Those benefits totaled $36,445.18.

Mr. VanWart was released on a promise to appear and will be arraigned at New Haven Superior Court, G.A. No. 23, on June 11, 2010.

The case is being prosecuted by the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Bureau in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.

The charges against Mr. VanWart are merely allegations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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