Camden Firefighter Convicted of Pension Fraud

A Camden firefighter who claimed to be disabled has been found guilty of second-degree theft by deception by a Camden County jury.

Shane B. Streater, 41, claimed that job related back and neck injuries prevented him from continuing to work as a firefighter in Camden. In 2009, a doctor agreed he was totally and permanently disabled but denied the condition was work related. Streater was awarded a non-work related (ordinary) disability pension of 40% of his salary.

Streater appealed that award seeking an accidental disability pension of 60%. During the course of that appeal it was learned that he had been teaching jujitsu and fighting competitively. The 40% disability was revoked and Streater was charged with stealing $82,488 in benefits.

According to Attorney General Robert Lougy, “His ploy to steal pension benefits was a slap in the face of the honest firefighters and officers who continue to serve the public bravely and who are counting on that pension fund for their retirement.”

Streater faces 5 to 10 years in prison and up to a $150,000 fine. 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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