NEW YORK, NY (11/05/2010)(readMedia)– A Sullivan County man accused of running a home repair and painting business while collecting workers’ compensation benefits was arrested Wednesday, the New York State Insurance Department reported.
State police arrested Homer Spangler, 54, of Kenoza Lake, following an investigation by the Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau.
Spangler is accused of fraudulently accepting $7,470 in benefits after submitting documents to the New York State Insurance Fund falsely stating that he was physically unable to work.
An investigation was begun after Spangler was discovered running his own business last October during a routine check by the Insurance Fund. He started collecting permanent partial disability benefits after suffering a job-related injury in 1988 while working for a glass company.
Spangler is charged with workers’ compensation fraud and offering a false instrument for filing, both felonies. He could be sentenced to up to four years in prison if he is convicted.
He was released in his own recognizance after an arraignment in the Town of Delaware Court pending further court action on Nov. 15.
The case is being prosecuted by Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney Jarod Hart.
Source: New York State Insurance Department