Connecticut Woman Charged with Workers’ Compensation Fraud, Larceny

A Wallingford, Connecticut, woman was arrested and charged with illegally collecting workers’ compensation benefits while being employed as a teacher for the City of Bristol Board of Education.

Ann Marie Barros was arrested by inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney on a warrant charging her with one count of fraudulent claim or receipt of benefits and one count of larceny in the first degree by defrauding a public community.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, in February 2019, while working for the City of Bristol Board of Education, Barros was injured while she attempted to break up an altercation between two students. Barros claimed she sustained injuries to her head, neck and back.

Barros was placed on temporary total disability (TTD) and began receiving TTD benefits from her employer through FutureComp. TTD benefits are wage replacement monies for those who qualify under the program. During that period of benefits, the recipient is considered to have zero work capacity and must inform their employer of any improvements in their injuries. They also are required to report any income beyond the benefits provided.

Barros received workers’ compensation benefits in the amount of $59,608.82. Surveillance videos and documentation showed that while out on workers’ compensation, Barros was gainfully employed as a real estate agent.

Barros was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court, G.A. No. 7, on September 30, 2021.

The case will be prosecuted by the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill. The charges are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: Connecticut State Division of Criminal Justice

Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation Talent Connecticut