SUFFOLK COUNTY MAN ARRESTED FOR WORKERS’ COMP FRAUD

A Suffolk County man who claimed a job-related back injury prevented him from working was arrested Tuesday for fraudulently accepting $7,150 in workers’ compensation benefits, the New York State Insurance Department reported.

Jesus A. Cossio, 45, of 218 Studley St., Brentwood, was charged with workers’ compensation fraud following an investigation by the Insurance Department, the New York State Insurance Fund and the Inspector General’s Office of the Workers’ Compensation Board. He was arrested by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

According to Solomon Jones, an investigator with the Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau, Cossio submitted signed statements to the Insurance Fund falsely claiming he was unable to work after injuring his back while employed as a laborer. Jones said investigators found that Cossio was working as a porter and maintenance attendant while collecting the benefits.

If he is convicted, Cossio could be sentenced to up to four years in prison. A hearing will be scheduled in Suffolk County Court.