An Oswego County man who claimed he couldn’t work while collecting workers’ compensation benefits was instead taking on paid jobs, investigators said — a decision that has now led to a felony conviction and probation sentence.
Christopher Cronk, 58, of Central Square, was sentenced April 20 in Onondaga County Court to five years of probation after pleading guilty to third-degree insurance fraud. He was also ordered to repay $10,494 to the New York State Insurance Fund.
State investigators said Cronk collected wage replacement benefits for at least 18 months while actively working and earning income, violating the terms of the workers’ compensation system.
Cronk was injured in March 2021 while working for a Webster-based painting company and began receiving benefits through the state’s workers’ compensation system. By March 2022, however, investigators determined he had returned to paid painting work at private homes and businesses.
Authorities said surveillance footage, witness accounts, and financial records confirmed he continued working while repeatedly certifying through August 2022 that he had not resumed any employment.
State officials said the case underscores the importance of honesty in a system designed to support injured workers during recovery.
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