(Rocky Hill, CT) – A Norwalk man has been arrested and charged with illegally collecting workers’ compensation benefits in the amount of $19,581.63 while being employed at the Norwalk Police Department.
Steven Luciano, age 44, of Norwalk, was arrested today by Inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney on a warrant charging him with one count each of Perjury, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-156, Larceny in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-122 (a)(3), and Fraudulent Claim or Receipt of Benefits in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 31-290c (a)(1).
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the defendant reported getting injured on November 17, 2024 while working as a police officer for the Norwalk Police Department. The defendant claimed he injured his neck while exiting his vehicle. Following the incident, medical professionals determined he suffered a cervical spine injury, and he was subsequently placed in a Temporary Total Disability (TTD) status by his health care provider, until he could be released to work by a physician. TTD is a wage replacement benefit paid by the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier while the claimant is unable to perform any type of work due to a work-related injury or illness. The recipient is considered to have zero work capacity and must inform his employer of any medical improvement
In January of 2025, Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, managing the insurance claim, initiated surveillance on the defendant during activities outside of his employment, a common practice utilized by insurance companies to assist in deciding whether a claimant is exceeding the physical restrictions or limitations set forth by a treating physician. The defendant claimed his right-hand grip strength was compromised, and he could not return to work with the limitation that he could not use his firearm. While the defendant was receiving workers’ compensation benefits for his claimed injury, surveillance revealed that the defendant was engaged in weightlifting activities at a local fitness club that were inconsistent with the physical limitations reported to his healthcare provider. Investigators also determined that the defendant provided false testimony in a deposition taken by attorneys representing the City of Norwalk.
Luciano surrendered himself today at the Rocky Hill Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond. His next scheduled court date in Superior Court in Stamford, Geographical Area No. 1, is December 3, 2025.
The case will be prosecuted by the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney in Rocky Hill. The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.