A New York woman has been found guilty of defrauding the federal government out of nearly half a million dollars in workers’ compensation benefits.
Carol-Lisa Gutman, 62, of Delmar, New York, was convicted of five counts of wire fraud, two counts of federal employees’ compensation fraud, and one count of theft of government money after a six-day trial in Albany.
The evidence presented in court showed that Gutman began receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits in 1987, after claiming to have injured her back while working for the United States Postal Service. Over the course of 15 years, she received more than $429,000 in benefits, claiming to be completely disabled and unable to perform even the simplest tasks.
However, video recordings from 2011, 2012, and 2013, revealed a different story, showing Gutman working in her yard, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, carrying large pails of yard waste, and bending over repeatedly.
Gutman will be sentenced in Syracuse on October 26, 2016, by Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. She faces up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and an order to pay restitution to the government.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry.
The conviction is a major blow to those who would seek to defraud the government and highlights the importance of the work being done by law enforcement agencies to protect taxpayer dollars.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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