Oswego County painter pleads guilty to workers’ compensation fraud

CENTRAL SQUARE — An Oswego County painter who was injured at his job returned to work and illegally collected more than $10,000 in workers' compensation benefits, according to state investigators.

Christopher Cronk, 58, of Central Square, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Onondaga County Court to third-degree insurance fraud, a felony.

He was arrested on Dec. 10, 2025, after an investigation by the Offices of the New York State Inspector General. Investigators said Cronk injured his ankle in March 2021 while working for Cutting Edge Painting in Monroe County. He began receiving benefits through the New York State Workers' Compensation Board, which are meant to support injured workers who can't work while they recover.

But investigators said that by March 2022, Cronk had gone back to work, doing paid painting jobs at private properties and businesses. Surveillance footage captured Cronk at work and witnesses provided statements confirming he was working, investigators said. Bank records also showed he was getting paid.

Although he was working again, Cronk continued to certify to his insurance company and the New York State Insurance Fund that he was not working.

Investigators said that on official work activity forms he submitted in April and May 2022, Cronk falsely answered no when asked whether he had performed any work for pay since his injury. Investigators said he collected $10,494 that he was not entitled to through August 2022, though they did not say what led to the initial investigation.

"Workers' compensation exists to protect injured workers during recovery — not to underwrite undisclosed employment or serve as a second paycheck," Office of New York State Workers' Compensation Fraud Inspector General Lucy Lang said in a news release. "When someone chooses to collect benefits while secretly working, they erode trust in a system that depends on honesty."

The investigation was done by the inspector general's offices and the prosecution was carried out in partnership with the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office.

Cronk is scheduled to be sentenced on April 20.