Guilford Firefighter Accused Of Workers' Compensation Fraud: State Officials

GUILFORD, CT — A Guilford firefighter and Milford resident has been charged by Inspectors from the Workers' Compensation Fraud Unit after they say he received $21,000 in benefits while he allegedly couldn't work due to an on the job injury, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

Authorities say Michael Hudd, 55, of Pomona Avenue in Milford, was seen setting up equipment and playing drums with the popular, Rum Runners band. The band performed at Milford's fireworks spectacular earlier this month, according to their website, and has several dates planned for the rest of the summer.

Hudd is charged with one count of Fraudulent Claim or Receipt of Benefits. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, Hudd reported being injured on March 25, 2016, while working for the Town of Guilford as a firefighter. He received more than $21,000 in Workers’ Compensation benefits based on his claim of having no work capacity of any kind and not earning any money outside of the disability payment, the warrant states, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

On four separate occasions while collecting disability benefits, Hudd was observed playing drums for the Rum Runners and also lifting, moving and setting up the band’s equipment, the warrant states, according to the Division of Criminal Justice.

Hudd was released on a written promise to appear in New Haven Superior Court on July 19.

"The charge is merely an accusation and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt," state officials stressed in a statement.