A former Weston town employee and youth hockey coach is facing charges after collecting nearly $10,000 in disability benefits during a time when he claimed to be injured and unable to work but continued to coach, according to the state.
Michael J. Schneider, 32, of Bethel, reported a work-related injury in September 2013 while serving as a seasonal grounds worker for the town of Weston Board of Education, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.
He was placed on temporary total disability and received $9,777 in workers' compensation benefits from September 2013 through January 2014, state officials said.
During that time, Schneider was captured multiple times on video surveillance coaching youth hockey despite reporting that he couldn't work, according to the state. Officials said Schneider was paid for his coaching.
According to state officials, Schneider lied to the Worker's Compensation Commission when asked if he had violated his work restrictions. He has since been laid off in Weston.
Schneider was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of fraudulent claim or receipt of workers' compensation benefits, a felony.
He's due in court Dec. 19 and could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
