TORRINGTON, Conn. - After pitching his side businesses on social media after he was injured on the job, 44-year-old furniture assembler Ricky Flowers was charged with fraudulent claim or receipt of workers' compensation benefits.

 

The Department of Criminal Justice and the Workers' Compensation Fraud Unit in the Office of the Chief State's Attorney alleges Flowers received over $5,800 in workers' compensation benefits after reporting a work-related injury last March. Flowers reportedly was injured while lifting an armoire at the unnamed furniture manufacturing business where he was employed.

 

An investigation showed that from May to August 2017, Flowers advertised several of his businesses on his Facebook page, which included cleaning and carpentry services - all while collecting workers comp benefits. Video surveillance recorded Flowers moving and working, contradicting his injury claims.

 

Flowers was released on a $10,000 bail. Court is scheduled February 6.

 

A fraudulent claim in excess of $2,000 in punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000, and is a class B felony.