“I will use the resources of my office to relentlessly pursue anybody who abuses the system at the expense of honest, hard-working New Yorkers,” said New York State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott in announcing a handful of arrests made for Workers’ Comp fraud.
So far, four individuals have been arrested, but she said more arrests are likely to follow as a result of an ongoing investigation.
“Those who abuse the system should fully expect they will be caught,” said Leahy Scott.
Her office said the investigation involves multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Those arrested so far include:
- Douglas S Griffin, 53, of Ithaca. The owner of an excavation company is charged with grand larceny, falsifying business records, fraudulent practices and failure to secure compensation. He is accused of providing false documents to show he had Workers’ Comp insurance for his employees when he did not.
- Roger Camby, 60, of Syracuse. The owner of an online retail candle business is charged with fraudulent practices, insurance fraud and grand larceny. He is accused or working while collecting Workers’ Comp benefits while certifying that he was not working. He is accused of collecting more than $56,000 in benefits while operating his candle business and working as a consultant.
- John A Francher, 73, of Auburn. The owner of a group home is charged with effect of failure to secure compensation. He is accused of running a business with more than 5 employees without obtaining Workers’ Compensation insurance. He was convicted of similar charges in 2014.
- Steven M Spratley, 58, of Walton. The owner of a tree care business is charged with fraudulent practices. He is accused of denying that a man who was injured while working for him in 2011 was an employee.
Department spokesperson John Milgrim said four district attorneys were involved in the arrests and imminent prosecutions, which he said were part of a “concerted and ongoing effort” to prosecute Workers’ Comp fraud in the state. He wouldn’t say how many law enforcement agencies are involved or when the next arrests will be announced, but indicated there will be more arrests.
