TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) --
A postal worker who
had been collecting federal worker's compensation is now facing charges
after an investigation that began following a Facebook post.Robert McGeehan, 59, of Lower Township in Cape May County, was charged with second-degree theft by deception and third-degree insurance fraud, the New Jersey Attorney General's office said.
According to authorities, McGeehan had been on worker's comp since he slipped on ice and fell in 2008, injuring his wrist.
Then, in July 2015, McGeehan allegedly posted Facebook photos that showed him zip lining and rappelling while on vacation.
Investigators say he allegedly left an electronic signature on a waiver for activities including "zip lines, rope swings, cargo net traverses, mechanical rappels, and climbing."
He was also allegedly recorded by United States Postal Services investigators performing strenuous yard work in June and July of 2016.
A news release from Attorney General Christopher Attorney General Porrino said McGeehan, who lived in Philadelphia until April, 2013, was found to be fit to return to light duty by the postal service.
However, investigators say, McGeehan refuted that by providing examination findings by his personal doctor.
McGeehan is accused of stealing $75,000, the amount of worker's compensation he allegedly received between July 2015 and June 2017.
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Postal Worker Charged With Fraud, Theft After Zip-Lining While on Disability: Police
Robert McGeehan, of Lower Township, is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits by falsely claiming an on-the-job fall rendered him medically unfit to work as a letter carrier.
A former postal worker who had claimed a wrist injury prevented him from working posted photos of himself zip-lining and rappelling, state authorities said Monday as they announced insurance fraud and theft charges.
Robert McGeehan, of Lower Township, is accused of stealing more than $75,000 in federal workers' compensation benefits by falsely claiming an on-the-job fall rendered him medically unfit to work as a letter carrier.
Postal service investigators said they also recorded him doing strenuous yard work, including using a chain saw and a hand saw and throwing large logs.
A telephone number for McGeehan could not be located Monday, and it wasn't known if he had an attorney who could comment on the accusations.
McGeehan, 59, injured his wrist in February 2008 when he slipped on some ice. He had arthroscopic surgery seven months later and eventually was deemed fit for light duty, but he disputed that finding and turned down several offers of less physically-demanding positions within the postal service, authorities said.
To corroborate his workers' compensation claim, McGeehan has consistently submitted examination findings by his personal doctor, authorities said.
McGeehan posted the vacation photos in July 2015. While traveling, authorities said he left an electronic signature on an agreement to accept risks and waive liabilities for certain activities, including "zip lines, rope swings, cargo net traverses, mechanical rappels and climbing."
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on both counts, authorities said.
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Cox, McGeehan Honored as Seniors of Year
By Al Campbell
May 13, 2016
AVALON - Evelyn Cox and Robert McGeehan were honored May 12 as Cape May County Outstanding Seniors for 2016. Each received resolutions from county and state officials at the annual Senior Citizen Jamboree at Avalon Community Hall held to mark Older Americans Month by the county Department of Aging and Disability Services.
The Parish Nurse Program from Cape Regional Health System received the Outstanding Organization of the Year award at the event.
Several hundred seniors attended the gala. Its theme was “The Fabulous 50’s.” The event included a meal and music. Many were taken to the event by county Fare Free Transportation.
To ensure the event was multi-generational senior guests were served lunch by students from Wildwood Catholic High School.
Evelyn Cox
"Still young at heart" at 78, Cox is a 31-year volunteer in the Media Center at Cape May County Special Services School District.
As noted in a resolution read by Freeholder Kristine Gabor, Cox has "a spring in her step and a joke at the ready."
Spending four days a week at the center, Cox reports early and leaves late, according to the resolution. She knows all staff members by name and asks about their families and their health.
In her volunteer capacity, Cox shelves returned books in the center and arranges monthly displays. She is noted for knowing where items are located in the library.
"Even though she wants nothing to do with the computer system, she is indispensable in keeping the Media Center running smoothly," Gabor added.
She is "always willing to sit with a child who needs help with reading or just a little extra attention. She has a soft spot for the severely disabled students, having been the parent of a disabled son who was a student at the school in the early days of the district," Gabor continued.
Robert McGeehan
An Army veteran, McGeehan volunteers daily at Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 in Del Haven, according to the resolution Gabor read.
He served the nation for 20 years in the Army and has been a 10-year member of the DAV.
He and his wife Karen enjoy traveling in their recreational vehicle which is kept in Pennsylvania.
Every Wednesday, McGeehan dedicates his time helping fellow veterans with whatever issues they may be experiencing. He helps them obtain benefits through the Veterans Administration, housing or by helping make transportation arrangements for physician visits.
Always an advocate for those who served, he attends meetings that focus on veterans' issues. He "looks out for his fellow veterans and sees to it that they have information on the programs and services that are available to them," Gabor read.
He also visits VA homes, such as the one in Vineland, to ensure veterans are being well treated and are getting the services to which they are entitled, "And most of all that they are not forgotten."
Joining to present the certificates in addition to Gabor was Sen. Jeff Van Drew, Assemblyman Bruce Land, and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak, (all D-1st). Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton welcomed the seniors.