HAMBURG---A New York State corrections officer who fraudulently obtained workers' compensation benefits has pleaded guilty.

Bruce Kelly, 44, of Hamburg, entered his plea before Acting Erie County Court Judge Thomas P. Amodeo to one count of fraudulent practices in violation of the Workers' Compensation Law and one count of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, both class E felonies. Kelly was sentenced by Judge Amodeo to make full restitution to the state and forfeit his right to seek any future workers' compensation benefits.

In June 2005, Kelly, who was then assigned to the Gowanda Correctional Facility, claimed that he injured his left shoulder, chest, and lower back while working, preventing him from performing as a corrections officer until March 2006. As a result of the claim, Kelly began receiving workers' compensation insurance benefits. To maintain the benefits, Kelly submitted a document to the State Insurance Fund on October 20, 2005, in which he denied engaging in any work activity. However, video surveillance tapes from September and October 2005 showed Kelly actively engaged in work for a Buffalo-area roofing company.

Kelly was charged in December 2006 and subsequently suspended from his position. He resigned March 6 after serving more than 19 years as a state employee and made full restitution of almost $20,000 to the State Insurance Fund. 3-27-07

© 2007 North Country Gazette