Former correctional officer gets probation for fraud

Courtesy of the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A former state correctional officer has been placed on probation for fraudulently collecting workers’ compensation and Social Security benefits in 2021 and 2022, the District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday. Erie County.

Charles Epps, II, 56, of Buffalo, was sentenced to five years probation. Between August 2021 and November 2022, Epps falsely reported his employment status, claiming he was unable to work due to injury.

Epps was injured in July 2020 while working as a corrections officer for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. In 2021 and 2022, he collected a total of $52,542.07 in benefits while working as a bus driver.

He pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree insurance fraud and one count of third-degree grand theft. As part of his plea, he will pay full restitution: $35,544.67 to the New York State Insurance Fund and $16,907.40 to the Social Security Administration.