CSAO: Eastern Connecticut Man Charged with Workers' Compensation Fraud, Perjury

An Eastern Connecticut man who was awarded extra Workers' Compensation benefits because he allegedly could not find work when he was in fact working was arrested today on fraud and perjury charges.

Dwayne Wiggins, age 50, whose last known address was 38 Athol Street in Danielson, was charged with one count of Workers' Compensation Fraud and one count of Perjury. The charges are felonies carrying a maximum possible total sentence of 25 years in prison.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Mr. Wiggins collected more than $6,500 in additional "permanency" benefits in 2004 and 2005 because he allegedly could not find work, when in fact he was working for a painting contractor.

The warrant further alleges that Mr. Wiggins denied he had employment when questioned under oath on February 1, 2005.

The charges against Mr. Wiggins are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Mr. Wiggins was released on a written promise to appear in Norwich Superior Court, G.A. No. 21 on October 28, 2009.

The case will be prosecuted by the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Bureau in the Chief State's Attorney's Office in Rocky Hill.