Claimant Accused of Running Own Business While Collecting Benefits

Tuesday, January 12, 2016 | 0

A Niagara Falls, New York man accused of defrauding the workers' compensation system of more than $82,000 over a 13-year period was arrested Friday and charged with theft and fraud.

New York State Inspector General Leahy Scott announced Friday the arrest of 55-year-old James Neagle, accused of earning $369,513 from recycling wooden pallets while claiming benefits.

Neagle is charged with second-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree insurance fraud and fradulent practices under workers' compensation legislation.

An investigation by the Inspector General's Office and the State Department of Financial Services found Reagle received benefits for an on-the-job injury sustained in 1990.

Reagle was self-employed, running his own recycling business, from 2001 to 2014 while receiving $82,000 in benefits, investigators say.

Reagle was arraigned in Niagara Falls City Court and is due to return to court on Jan. 28.