A Central Square man has admitted to collecting thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation benefits while secretly working as a painter.
58-year-old Christopher Cronk pleaded guilty in Onondaga County Court to third-degree insurance fraud, a Class D felony. The plea follows an investigation by the New York State Workers’ Compensation Fraud Inspector General’s Office, led by Inspector General Lucy Lang.
Authorities said Cronk was injured on the job in March 2021 while working for Cutting Edge Painting in Webster and began receiving wage replacement benefits through the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Those payments are intended to help employees who are unable to work while recovering from injuries.
However, investigators said that by March 2022, Cronk had returned to paid painting jobs at homes and businesses. Surveillance footage, witness statements and bank records showed he was earning income while continuing to collect benefits.
Prosecutors said Cronk falsely reported on official forms that he had not worked since his injury, allowing him to receive payments through August 2022. In total, he collected $10,494 he was not entitled to.
“Workers’ compensation exists to protect injured workers during recovery — not to underwrite undisclosed employment or serve as a second paycheck,” Lang said. “When someone chooses to collect benefits while secretly working, they erode trust in a system that depends on honesty. Today’s plea reinforces that accountability matters.”
