A corrections officer at the Rikers Island jail complex pled guilty yesterday to receiving more than $370,000 in workers’ compensation benefits based on fake injury claims, according to federal prosecutors.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton reported that Todd Faustin faked injuries after incidents where force was used against an inmate. He was arrested and charge last May.
Officials said Faustin, of New York, pled guilty to one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
For years, Faustin was employed by the Department of Corrections at Rikers Island. Prosecutors charged that during that time, he falsely claimed that he was injured while on duty during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force. In total, officials said Faustin received at least $370,336.79 in benefits to which he was not entitled.
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board administers the state’s no-fault workers’ compensation system. Payments by the board made to DOC employees are paid from the New York City treasury.
“False workers’ compensation claims place a large cost on all New Yorkers. It’s even worse when the perpetrator is a city employee. The vast majority of our correction officers do a tough job well and honestly. Faustin is not one of them,” commented Clayton.
As part of the court’s order of forfeiture, Faustin is responsible for the amount of $370,336.79 as part of his sentence. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2026. He resigned his job effective March 17, 2026.
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Claims
Workers’ Compensation
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