WARREN COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR INSURANCE FRAUD

A 31-year-old Warren County man accused of fraudulently collecting more than $100,000 in disability benefit payments was arrested Wednesday following an investigation by the New York State Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau.

Ricky J. McFarlane Jr., of 519 Lake Ave., Lake Luzerne, was charged with insurance fraud, grand larceny and falsifying business records after he was arrested by New York State Police at Hadley.

Frauds Bureau Investigator Jaclyn Oreshan said McFarlane claimed he was physically unable to work after slipping and falling down a flight of stairs while employed at a pulp and paper mill in 2003. However, Oreshan said investigators discovered that McFarlane later engaged in construction work while collecting disability benefits from PMA Insurance. He is alleged to have advised PMA several times that he was unable to work during the five years he received benefits.

McFarlane, who was released in his own recognizance, is scheduled to appear for a hearing Nov. 5 in Warren County Court. If he is convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matt Kokosa.