EASTERN NEWS ZONE......

A Utica, New York man who fraudulently collected $18,600 in workers’ compensation benefits while working as a handyman was arrested Aug. 4, the New York State Insurance Department reported.

Amir Tricic, 41, was arrested after an investigation by John Toucher of the Insurance Department’s Frauds Bureau. The investigation revealed that Tricic was employed as a cable technician at a cable manufacturing plant when he was injured. Later, while working as a handyman, he collected benefits at the same time he claimed the job-related injury prevented him from working.

Tricic is accused of violating the state Workers’ Compensation Law and could be sentenced to four years in prison if he is found guilty. A hearing will be held in Utica City Court.