Boston Jake On Trial For Disability Pension Fraud

Posted by: Curt Varone August 2, 2011 0

The trial of a former Boston firefighter on mail fraud charges began this week in US District Court. Albert Arroyo, 49, took a disability retirement in 2008 following what he claimed was a debilitating slip and fall injury. Two months later he was caught competing in a body building contest.

Federal prosecutors filed mail fraud charges against Arroyo, and plan to prove that he was living a life that included playing baseball and competing in bodybuilding contests while claiming to be permanently disabled. According to prosecutors, Arroyo sought $65,000 per year in disability payments for life.

Arroyo’s lawyer claims that bodybuilding was “therapy” for Arroyo’s back injury, and that Arroyo was pressured into taking a disability retirement by his superiors. Arroyo faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

For more on the story.

 

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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