New Jersey USPS Mail Carrier Charged with Workers’ Compensation Fraud

A New Jersey U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier has been charged with making false statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits.

Aida Perez, of Roselle Park, New Jersey, has been charged by complaint with one count of knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact, and making a false, fictitious and fraudulent statement and representation in connection with the application for and receipt of federal workers’ compensation benefits. Perez made her initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Falk and was released on bail.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, Perez worked as a mail carrier for the USPS in Westfield, New Jersey. On Nov. 18, 2020, Perez signed and certified a form in which she alleged she sustained an ankle sprain on Nov. 9, 2020, while performing her duties.

In subsequent forms, Perez certified that she did not receive earnings from employment outside of her federal job. However, an investigation revealed that Perez operated a business from which she received substantial income. For example, during the investigation, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased $245 in goods from Perez’s business.

The count of making false statements to obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine in New Jersey.

The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey

Topics Carriers Fraud Workers' Compensation Talent New Jersey