Correctional Officer Pleads Not Guilty to Double-Dipping Charges

Thursday, July 27, 2017 | 0

A former Massachusetts correctional officer accused of operating a snow-removal business while collecting workers’ compensation benefits pleaded not guilty Wednesday, the Worcester Telegram reported. 

Thomas P. Roy, 37, was charged last month with workers’ compensation fraud, larceny and making a false claim to an employer. In January 2016, he claimed he hurt his back in a scuffle with an inmate, according to the newspaper. Roy had worked for 10 years as a correctional officer for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office before filing the claim.

Roy began collecting indemnity benefits for a lower-back injury and told doctors and supervisors he was too hurt to work even in light-duty assignments. However, prosecutors say that he was running a private business, ASL Renovations, providing snow-removal and construction services. 

Investigators say they videotaped Roy operating a backhoe while doing snow-removal work in Fitchburg and Ashburnham. He was also videotaped climbing up and down a ladder and swinging a sledgehammer, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors say Roy fraudulently collected $15,895 in indemnity benefits from January to May 2016.