United States of America v. Todd Faustin

New York City, New York criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with making false statements relating to healthcare matters in connection with use-of-force incidents that took place within Rikers Island.

Reported by Kent Morlan

Todd Faustin, age 43, a former correction officer at Rikers Island, lined his own pockets by exploiting one of the most sensitive interactions in our justice system: the use of physical force against prisoners.

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (the “Board”) administers New York State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, which guarantees medical care and cash benefits to people who are injured at work, including employees of the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”). Payments made by the Board to DOC employees are paid from the New York City Treasury. For years, FAUSTIN was employed by the DOC as a correction officer and was assigned to work at Rikers Island. During that time, FAUSTIN falsely claimed that he was injured while on duty at Rikers Island during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force. Rather than approaching use-of-force incidents with the gravity and sensitivity that such moments deserve, the defendant actively sought out these incidents and attempted to instigate them to steal money from the workers’ compensation system.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay $370,336.79 in restitution.