Charles Epps, a 56-year-old former New York State Correction Officer from Buffalo, admitted guilt for fraudulently obtaining over $35,000 in workers’ compensation benefits. Epps pleaded guilty to Insurance Fraud and Grand Larceny, both class D felonies, in Erie County Court, as announced by New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang.
The investigation, initiated by a referral from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), found that Epps falsely claimed to be injured in May 2020 and began receiving benefits in July 2020. Despite claiming disability, Epps worked as a motor coach operator for New York Trailways, failing to report this employment while collecting indemnity benefits.
In addition to the workers’ compensation fraud, Epps was also found to have collected Social Security Disability benefits through deceit. He has been ordered to repay the stolen funds. This case underscores efforts to combat fraud and protect taxpayer resources, with authorities stressing the impact of such actions on public safety and state systems designed to aid the injured and disabled.
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