N.Y. Cop Nabbed for Fraud, Grand Larceny; ‘Required’ 218 Injury Days

Suffolk County (New York) District Attorney Thomas Spota reported the arrest of a Suffolk County police officer for grand larceny, insurance fraud, defrauding the government and other crimes.

William Lynch, 28, of Port Jefferson Station, a former member of the NYPD, joined the Suffolk police force in April of 2002. Spota said records show that since becoming a Suffolk police officer three years and nine months ago, “Officer Lynch has taken 218 injury days by reporting three separate, job-related injuries”.

The district attorney said surveillance of the defendant, begun in August of last year, has established that Lynch’s claims of being too weak to drive and perform his police duties “are at odds with the videotape evidence that shows the defendant driving, lifting heavy objects and leading a physically active lifestyle.”

Spota said the investigation has also found that Lynch neglected to report during his pre-employment medical screening that he was injured on the job during his two years and nine months with the NYPD. “Mr. Lynch lied on his Suffolk application that he had no prior workers compensation injuries, no record of disability or any other physical injuries”, the district attorney noted. NYPD records show Lynch served on “limited duty” because of neck and back sprains he claimed to have sustained on the job,” Spota said.

Lynch was arraigned in Suffolk County district court on charges of second-degree grand larceny, second-degree insurance fraud, defrauding the government, two counts of offering a false instrument for filing and one charge of violating Workers Compensation Law.

The defendant was released on his own recognizance.