Six Arrested in Comp Fraud Sweep

An investigation led by Nassau’s District Attorney’s office resulted in the arrests of six locals for fraudulently collecting Workers’ Compensation benefits and other insurance funding.  Officials stated that the probe uncovered over $239,000 in wrongfully distributed funds due to anything from scammers cashing checks on deceased injured workers to claimants not reporting additional employment while receiving disability.

Amongst those arrested was Massapequa resident, Anthony DiBenedetto.  According to the Massapequa Patch, DiBenedetto, was caught operating a limousine service while collecting Workers’ Comp and disability benefits from neck injury from eight years ago.

“Anthony DiBenedetto, 49, put in a workers’ compensation claim in 2002 saying he hurt his neck while delivering milk for Beyer Farms, according to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.”

“DiBenedetto received $400 a week in workers’ comp benefits and collected a total of $30,185, prosecutors said.  In addition, he received $140,777 in Social Security disability benefits for himself and his sons.”

“At the same time, he was videotaped working as the owner of Legal Limousines, Inc. of Lindenhurst, prosecutors said. He’s also accused of accepting cash deposits from undercover investigators purchasing limousine services.”

DiBenedetto was arrested and charged with grand larceny, insurance fraud, offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and falsifying business records.  If convicted, DiBenetto faces 15 years behind bars.

A full list of those arrested from the probe can be found here.   All face similar charges including insurance fraud and larceny.