Newtown Woman Accused Of Worker's Compensation Fraud: State

Newtown CT

14 September, 2021

5:44 PM

Description

NEWTOWN, CT — A 41-year-old Newtown woman, who is supervisor of Pupil Personnel Services for New Fairfield public schools, was arrested on fraud and larceny charges this week in connection with the theft of more than $57,000 in Workers' Compensation benefits. State prosecutors charged Ann Marie Cordisco, of Boggs Hill Road, with the following: Fraudulent claim or receipt of benefitsFirst-degree larceny by defrauding a public communityPerjuryInspectors from the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney accused Cordisco of illegally collecting Workers' Compensation benefits while she was employed by the New Fairfield Board of Education. Officials turned to surveillance videos and various documentation that "showed activities that were not consistent with Cordisco's claimed injuries." According to the arrest warrant affidavit, in September 2018, while employed in New Fairfield, Cordisco was injured while exiting a school bus, claiming "she sustained injuries to her left foot, ankle and knee." She was placed on Temporary Total Disability and began receiving such benefits from New Fairfield through Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency. CIRMA is a nonprofit claims administration and risk management service that manages workers' compensation claims for Connecticut municipalities, school districts, and local public agencies. Temporary Total Disability benefits replace wages for those who qualify under the program. According to officials, while a recipient receives benefits, they are considered to have "zero work capacity" and must inform their employer of any improvements in their injuries. Additionally, they also are required to report any income beyond the benefits provided. From September 26, 2018, through April 29, 2019, Cordisco received $57,903 in workers' compensation benefits. Following her arrest, she was released after posting a $10,000 non-surety bond, and she is scheduled to appear in Danbury Superior Court on Sept. 23. The case will be prosecuted by the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Chief State's Attorney in Rocky Hill, and prosecutors remind the public that the charges are merely accusations, and Cordisco is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.