North Bay mechanic faces workers compensation fraud charges

Story Created: Aug 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM EST

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2009 at 3:42 PM EST

SYLVAN BEACH, N.Y. (WKTV) - Ronald Snyder, 40, an auto mechanic from the Oneida County community of North Bay, is facing court action later this month on several charges alleging he committed workers' compensation fraud against the New York State Insurance Fund.

According to New York State Insurance Fraud, Snyder has been collecting wage replacement benefits from NYSIF as a result of two separate accidents which occurred in 2003 and 2004 while Snyder was an employee of the New York State Thruway Authority.

NYSIF has been paying Snyder $350 per week, the combined rate for the two accidents, reflecting an 89 percent degree of disability determined by the Workers' Compensation Board. Because of the high degree of disability, the claimant is being paid at nearly the total disability rate.

Snyder has repeatedly denied any return to work. He attested to a no-work status in 17 written statements he submitted to NYSIF, but an investigation NYSIF conducted in cooperation with the New York State Insurance Department Frauds Bureau and the Workers' Compensation Board Inspector General's Office showed otherwise.

Surveillance revealed that Snyder was working as a mechanic at E J Automotive and Used Cars in Durhamville, New York.

Snyder surrendered to New York State Police in Sylvan Beach August 13 and was arrested for fraudulent practices, an E felony violation of the Workers' Compensation Law. He will face additional felony charges of insurance fraud and offering a false instrument for filing when he is arraigned August 25 in Verona Town Court.

It is alleged that Snyder received $24,570 in wage replacement benefits since February 20, 2008 to which he is not entitled. Estimated potential savings in this case is $246,510.79.

Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations only. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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