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November 19, 2009

Three Arrests for Fraud Include Corrections Officer

The New York State Insurance Fund today announced three arrests for workers’ compensation fraud including a North Country corrections officer, an Astoria business owner, and a claimant who allegedly worked as a handy man despite being “totally disabled.”

Martin Friess, 40, of Massena, NY, faces felony charges of insurance fraud, false fillings and fraudulent practices following his arrest by the state Attorney General’s office on Nov. 18. Mr. Friess is an eight-year veteran of the Department of Corrections and assigned to the Bare Hill Correctional facility in Malone.

Mr. Friess injured his knee on May 20, 2008 while working as a corrections officer and did not return to work until June 3, 2009. He received workers’ compensation benefits while submitting signed statements to NYSIF that he had not worked during that time. Investigators said that while receiving benefits Mr. Friess allegedly worked construction jobs. If convicted, he faces up to seven years in state prison.

Pilar Marino, 54, of Astoria, NY, faces felony charges including insurance fraud and violating Workers’ Compensation Law following his arrest by the Queens County District Attorney’s office on Nov. 18.

Investigators said Mr. Marino was owner of Advent Restoration in Astoria and had a workers’ comp. insurance policy with NYSIF. The investigation found that Mr. Marino allegedly understated the business payroll, including allegedly failing to report during a NYSIF audit income of approximately $330,000 while working as a sub contractor in 2007. As a result, Mr. Marino allegedly defrauded NYSIF of $38,410 in premium.

Matthew Robbins was classified as permanently totally disabled when he filed a workers’ compensation claim, but surveillance later showed Mr. Robbins allegedly well enough to handle powering washing equipment, repair vehicles, and fish waist deep in a running stream.

Mr. Robbins, 48, of Kerhonkson, NY, in Ulster County, faces felony charges of insurance fraud and violating the Workers’ Compensation Law following his arrest by New York State Police on Nov. 13. Investigators said Mr. Robbins received workers’ compensation benefits while allegedly working for Mesivtha Tifereth Jerusalem as a care taker.

NYSIF was assisted in the investigation by the NYS Insurance Department Frauds Bureau. Investigators estimated potential future savings over the life of Mr. Robbins’ claim to be more than $225,000.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations only. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty.

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