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OYSTER BAY---A former mechanic for the Town of Oyster Bay has been charged with grand larceny in the third degree, a class D felony, in connection with the alleged theft of $13,118.25 in Workers' Compensation benefits.
Prosecutors said that Gary W. Koslosky, 44, of 117 Dean St., Hicksville, was employed by the town and assigned to the Central Vehicle Maintenance division. He claimed that he sustained an injury to his neck and shoulder while performing maintainance on a snow plow.
The town is a self-insured municipality and pays workers' compensation ebenefits pursuant to New York State law directly to employees when the NYS Workers' Compensation Board awards the payment to reduced earnings after a hearing to the injured/disabled employee.
"The Town of Oyster Bay has continued to pay Koslosky after his injury approximately $400 per week, the maximum benefit, since December 2003," said Nassau County district attorney Denis Dillon. "On March 22, 2005 Koslosky's employment with the TOB was terminated upon a Stipulation of Settlement pursuant to Civil Service rules since the defendant had used all accrued sick and vacation leave and the TOB was required to replace the defendant's mechanic's position at CVM. Although the defendant's employment was terminated with the town in March 2005, the town was required to continue to pay weekly Workers' Compensation benefits to the defendant."
Dillon said that in 2004 the town received an anonymous tip alleging that Koslosky was employed as a painter while receiving Workers' Compensation benefits. The town retained the services of a private investigator who conducted an investigation commencing in November 2004 until February 2005, including surveillances of Koslosky. Dillon said that on numerous occasions Koslosky was observed leaving his home and arriving at Everlast Sign and Service, Inc.in Syosset and remaining at the location for several hours. On one occasion, the video surveillance captured Koslosky carrying a wooden fence post to a customer's vehicle."
"By his actions, Koslosky has committed a crime against the taxpayers of the Town of Oyster Bay and undermined the trust the public expects from its public employees." stated Dillon.
Koslosky was arraigned in First District Court in Hempstead. If convicted he faces up to 7 years in prison.
10-25-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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