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VA Firefighter Admits to Multi-Year Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme
CAMDEN, N.J. – A shocking case of corruption has come to light in Camden federal court, as a Department of Veterans Affairs firefighter has admitted to a scheme to commit workers’ compensation fraud.
Richard Hyland, 61, of Westbury, New York, pleaded guilty to an Information charging one count of workers’ compensation fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1920 before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Hyland was employed as a firefighter by the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked at the Lyons VA Medical Center in Lyons, New Jersey. In 2014, he suffered a back injury and began receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
However, these benefits came at a steep price. To continue receiving benefits, Hyland falsely certified annually to the U.S. Department of Labor that he was not working or volunteering anywhere else. In reality, Hyland worked as a tow truck driver as early as March 2017 and continued to do so up until December 2024, while also working as a long-haul truck driver and volunteering at his local fire department.
As a result, Hyland fraudulently received $479,341.26 in workers’ compensation benefits over the course of nearly eight years. The count of workers’ compensation fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025.
U.S. Attorney John Giordano credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Jonathan Mellone, and of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Chris Algieri, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division in Camden. Defense counsel for Hyland is Zach Intrater of Agnifilo Intrater LLP.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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