Rikers Guard Faked Injuries, Pocketed $370K

⏱ 3 min read

Todd Faustin, a 43-year-old correction officer at Rikers Island, pled guilty today to a cold-hearted scheme where he fabricated injuries after clashes with inmates to rake in over $370,000 in bogus workers’ compensation benefits. Faustin, who resigned from the Department of Correction effective today, March 17, 2026, gamed the system for years, claiming he was hurt during use-of-force incidents.

Federal prosecutors say Faustin falsely stated he was injured *while* using force on incarcerated individuals – incidents already tough to begin with – and then milked the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. The Board, funded by NYC taxpayers, happily cut him checks, unaware he was lying. The total haul: at least $370,336.79.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton didn’t mince words. He called Faustin’s actions “fraudulent” and pointed out the insult of a city employee ripping off the very system sworn to protect. While most correction officers do a difficult job with integrity, Clayton made clear Faustin isn’t one of them.

Faustin admitted to one count of making false statements relating to healthcare matters, a charge carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence. Sentencing is pending, leaving Faustin facing the consequences of trading his oath for a hefty, and illegally obtained, payday.