BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A former state corrections officer has been given probation for fraudulently collecting workers’ compensation and social securities benefits in 2021 and 2022, the Erie County District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday.
Former corrections officer pleads guilty to insurance fraud
56-year-old Charles Epps, II, of Buffalo, got five years of probation. Between August 2021 and November 2022, Epps falsely reported his employment status, claiming that he was unable to work due to an injury.
Epps was injured in July 2020 while working as a corrections officer for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. In 2021 and 2022, he collected a total of $52,542.07 in benefits while working as a bus driver.
He pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree insurance fraud and one count of third-degree grand larceny. As part of the plea, he will pay full restitution: $35,544.67 to the New York State Insurance Fund and $16,907.40 to the Social Security Administration.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.