VA Firefighter Admits Scheme To Commit Workers’ Compensation Fraud

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Department of Veterans Affairs firefighter admitted to a scheme to commit workers’ compensation fraud, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

Richard Hyland, 61, of Westbury, New York, pleaded guilty to an Information charging one count of workers’ compensation fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1920 before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Hyland was employed as a firefighter by the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked at the Lyons VA Medical Center in Lyons, New Jersey.  In 2014, Hyland suffered a back injury and began receiving workers’ compensation benefits.  To continue receiving benefits, Hyland certified annually to the U.S. Department of Labor that he was not working or volunteering anywhere else.

These certifications were false.  As early as March 2017, Hyland worked as a tow truck driver.  He also worked as a long-haul truck driver and volunteered at his local fire department.  From March 2017 through December 2024, Hyland fraudulently received $479,341.26 in workers’ compensation benefits.

The count of workers’ compensation fraud carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,00 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025.

U.S. Attorney John Giordano credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Jonathan Mellone, and of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Chris Algieri, with the investigation.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division in Camden.

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Defense counsel: Zach Intrater, Agnifilo Intrater LLP