Christine O’Neill, Worker’s Compensation Fraud, New York 2023

Binghamton, New York – In a brazen scheme to swindle the U.S. government out of nearly $50,000, former U.S. Postal Service employee Christine O’Neill, 61, of Johnson City, New York, has been sentenced to serve three years on probation for worker’s compensation fraud. According to court documents, O’Neill falsely represented that she was not employed, self-employed, or involved in any business enterprise during periods of time in 2015 and 2016 when she was collecting federal workers compensation benefits.

O’Neill’s deceitful actions allowed her to receive benefits based upon a claimed injury to her back that she said made her unable to perform any work functions for the Postal Service. However, investigators discovered that O’Neill was actually running her own company, Chris’ Cookies and Cakes, preparing and delivering cakes and cookies to customers during the times she collected benefits.

Agents videotaped O’Neill selling baked goods at a local craft fair during the course of their investigation and even purchased baked goods from her, who provided the undercover agent with a business card solidifying her involvement in her company.

The case against O’Neill was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown. The U.S. government is seeking to recover the $46,287 that O’Neill defrauded from the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Department of Labor.

Christine O’Neill, a resident of Johnson City, New York, was sentenced to serve three years on probation for defrauding the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Department of Labor of $46,287 by making false statements and representations to obtain federal workers compensation benefits. O’Neill’s crimes were committed in 2015 and 2016.

This case is a stark reminder of the importance of honesty and transparency in government programs. Worker’s compensation benefits are in place to provide support to individuals who have suffered work-related injuries, and it is unacceptable for individuals like O’Neill to take advantage of these programs for personal gain.

The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General is committed to investigating and prosecuting cases of worker’s compensation fraud, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of these programs.