New Yorker Branches Out to Work Comp Fraud

An Erie County, New York man who claimed to be injured lifting a heavy entry guide in his former occupation is allegedly the subject of a half dozen workers’ compensation fraud surveillance videos showing him strong enough to cut down trees.

Jonathan G. Stiegler, 46, of Blasdell, faces felony charges of offering a false instrument for filing, insurance fraud, grand larceny and violation of the Workers’ Compensation Law following his arrest by New York State Police earlier this month.

Investigators from the New York State Insurance Fund Division of Confidential Investigations said surveillance allegedly showed Stiegler self-employed as a tree cutter on no fewer than six occasions between September 2006 and May 2007 doing business under the name Stiegler’s Tree Service.

Stiegler was receiving workers’ comp benefits for a work-related injury at that time of his arrest. In 2004, he claimed he sprained his lower back while working as a stand builder for Republic Engineered Products when lifting a stand entry guide to install a rest bar. Since then, he allegedly returned signed statements to NYSIF indicating he had not returned to work.

Investigators said surveillance showed Stiegler receiving payment of $550 on at least one occasion for cutting trees at a private residence. As a result of his arrest, the potential future savings on Stiegler’s claim was estimated to be $202,813.