Three correction officers, including one current and two former employees of the New York City Department of Correction at Rikers Island, have been charged with healthcare fraud, mail fraud, and making false statements related to healthcare matters. The charges were announced by Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI); and Lucy Lang, Inspector General for the State of New York.
The individuals charged are Todd Faustin, Jovanny Concepcion, and Steven Murphy. They were arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Their cases will be handled by U.S. District Judges Loretta A. Preska and Lewis J. Liman.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “As alleged, the defendants defrauded New Yorkers by making hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent workers compensation claims.” He emphasized the commitment to protecting New Yorkers from corruption at Rikers Island.
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber highlighted that these actions defrauded nearly $1 million from the workers’ compensation system through false injury claims. She mentioned recommendations for reforms to prevent future frauds in a report issued today.
New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang commented on the importance of integrity in law enforcement: “Lying about an ongoing injury to get workers’ compensation benefits while engaging in strenuous employment and activities... is an affront to honest workers.”
According to allegations in the indictments, Faustin received $469,705.39 in undeserved benefits; Concepcion received $232,427.97; and Murphy received $294,037.83 by falsely claiming injuries during incidents requiring force at Rikers Island.
Concepcion faces charges that could lead to a maximum sentence of 45 years if convicted on all counts; Murphy faces similar potential sentences; Faustin also faces up to 45 years if found guilty on all charges.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including DOI, the New York State Office of Inspector General, and Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Frank Balsamello, and Alexie Rothman are leading the prosecution efforts for this case.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty as per legal standards.
