Former Corrections Officer Accused Of Insurance Fraud

Dec. 09--A New York state corrections officer who has been off duty since April 6, 2009, when he was the victim of an attempted assault at Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, has been accused by the state of insurance fraud.

Gaetano J. Williams , 48, of 433 Glenn Ave., Watertown, is alleged to have collected $6,270 in workers' compensation benefits to which he was not entitled because, while claiming a disability, he was working on a construction job, according to the state Insurance Department.

He awaits grand jury action on charges of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, third-degree insurance fraud and workers' compensation fraud.

Mr. Williams has been off duty since he suffered an arm injury in a scuffle at the prison. An inmate, Robert L. Owens , later pleaded guilty in Jefferson County Court to attempted second-degree assault in connection with the incident.

The state investigation revealed that Mr. Williams filed medical reports and a fraudulent work activity form on May 1, 2009, claiming that he was not working in any capacity because of his injury. Investigators determined, however, that he began a construction job 20 days after being injured, and continued in that job until July 16, 2009.

Mr. Williams surrendered Monday morning to Watertown police, who made the arrest for the state Insurance Department's fraud bureau. Also involved in the investigation were the state Insurance Fund, the Office of the Inspector General of the Workers' Compensation Board, the Workers' Compensation Fraud Unit and the Department of Correctional Services.

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