Camden Firefighter Charged With Illegally Claiming Disability Benefits While Healthy
By Robin Culverwell
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- A Camden city firefighter has been charged with theft by deception, accused of fraudulently collecting more than $80,000 in disability benefits.
Former Camden firefighter Shane Streater went on disability in 2010, citing two on-the-job vehicle accidents that injured his back and neck.
He appealed the ordinary disability pension -- which pays 40% of salary and is taxed -- in an effort to receive accidental disability pension, which pays 66% of salary and is not taxed.
But authorities say they found evidence that Streater was not disabled at all.
"He was engaging in very intensive physical activity, including mixed martial arts," says New Jersey attorney general John Hoffman, who noted that Streater could face five to ten years in prison and be forced to pay restitution. He also faces a $150,000 fine.
"It's as sad as it is a simple story," Hoffman said.