Juvenile detention officer charged with illegally amassing staff’ compensation | Information

By Last updated Jan 2, 2021

ROCKY HILL, CT (WFSB) – An East Haven man was arrested Friday on charges of illegally collecting employee compensation while serving as a juvenile detention officer.

Gregory Brunson, 35, was detained by inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Bureau in the Attorney General’s office on an arrest warrant for a number of fraudulent claims or receipt of benefits and a number of first degree thefts through public fraud.

According to a warrant affidavit, Gallagher Bassett, the third-party administrator of the Connecticut state’s self-insurance program for self-insured workers, sent a referral to the prosecutor’s office on January 24, 2020. That referral included a detailed schedule of Brunson’s claims and medical history.

In August 2019, Brunson, who had been admitted to the Bridgeport detention center, alleged that he injured his back as part of his duties while trying to restrain a detainee. He was examined by a doctor and temporarily disabled, which meant he was incapable of working and could not earn outside wages without reporting it.

For the period August 24, 2019 through December 29, 2019, Brunson received $ 12,459.25 in benefits and $ 1,284.31 in medical expenses.

While receiving the benefits during that period, Brunson did not disclose that he coached a local youth soccer team that had traveled to Florida and entered the playoffs. Brunson has been observed on multiple occasions in both Connecticut and Florida doing physical activities that could not be performed under his supposed status.

Brunson’s case is being prosecuted in Hartford Superior Court. He was released on a $ 10,000 bond. His next court date is December 29, 2020.

The case is being prosecuted by the Workers Compensation Fraud Office of the Rocky Hill District Attorney’s Office.