By Tom Matthews
Masslive.com
AGAWAM, Mass. — A Massachusetts man is accused of illegally collecting more than $80,000 in workers’ compensation while being employed as a correctional officer in Connecticut.
Matthew Hubbard, age 54, of Agawam was arrested Tuesday on a warrant. He faces charges of larceny in the first degree by defrauding a public community, fraudulent claim or receipt of benefits and perjury, according to the Connecticut Divison of Criminal Justice.
Hubbard was originally injured in August 2020 while working as a corrections officer for the State of Connecticut Department of Correction. He was placed on temporary total disability and began receiving benefits from the state.
“TTD benefits are wage replacement monies for those who qualify under the program,” officials said. “During that period of benefits, the recipient is considered to have zero work capacity and must inform their employer of any improvements in their injuries. They also are required to report any income beyond the benefits provided.”
Hubbard received workers’ compensation benefits in the amount of $74,129.72 and a payment of $12,518.36 for transportation costs to and from various medical appointments from May 6, 2021, through July 5, 2022, according to officials.
Documentation revealed that while out on workers’ compensation, Hubbard also worked as a real estate agent and reserve police officer in Massachusetts, police said.
Hubbard surrendered himself Tuesday at the Rocky Hill Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Oct. 3, officials said.
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