Friday, May 5, 2017

INSURANCE FRAUD: City of Paterson worker Francis Branis, 48, accused of driving beer truck while receiving workers' comp


Francis Branis, age 48 of Paterson,Passaic County Prosecutor's Office 

 City worker allegedly drove beer truck while receiving workers' comp
By Sara Jerde | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
 
on May 04, 2017 at 10:27 AM

PATERSON, NJ -- A city employee was charged with insurance fraud after he collected workers' compensation payments while allegedly working for a beverage distributor.

Francis Branis, 48 of Paterson, was arrested, Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes announced Thursday.

Branis was allegedly injured while employed in Paterson's Department of Public Works and was unable to work. He filed for workers' compensation using "false and misleading statements," according to the prosecutor's office.

While collecting the compensation benefits, Branis was seen driving a truck with a soda and beer distributor.

A second-degree offense is punishable by between 5 and 10 years in state prison and the investigation is ongoing.

Branis is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Passaic County Prosecutor's Office is "moving for detention on the defendant," according to the announcement.