New York Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

New York insurance fraud investigators have arrested a Buffalo, New York-area man who they claim falsely collected more than $34,000 in workers’ compensation benefits.

State Police say David J. Sawyer, 42, of Lockport, claimed he hurt his back lifting a water heater, but allegedly worked at his own landscaping and deck building business while collecting benefits.

The State Insurance Fund said Sawyer’s claims had a potential value of more than $308,500.

Sawyer faces five counts of offering a false instrument for filing and one count each of insurance fraud, grand larceny and perjury — all felonies.