CT Restaurant Owners Accused Of Failing To Provide Workers' Comp: DCJ

WATERBURY, CT — Two Connecticut restaurant owners accused of failing to provide required workers' compensation for employees are expected to appear in court this week, the Division of Criminal Justice announced Tuesday.

According to a news release provided by the DCJ, Giovanni Rubano, 52, and Hilario Taveras, 55, both of Waterbury, were arrested Jan. 9 by inspectors from the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.

They were both charged with criminal liability and noncompliance with insurance requirements, officials said.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Rubano, the owner of Vintage 471 Restaurant in Watertown, is accused of failing to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees working at the restaurant between Jan. 21, 2021, and Nov. 10, 2022, and between Nov. 10, 2022, and Sept. 20, 2023.

Taveras, the owner of Via Al Paraiso in Waterbury, is accused of failing to carry workers' compensation insurance coverage for employees working in the restaurant from Dec. 1, 2018, through Oct. 24, 2022, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

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State law requires businesses to demonstrate to the Workers' Compensation Commission their solvency and financial ability to compensate injured employees or beneficiaries, otherwise the business must carry workers' compensation insurance to cover the full liability, officials said.

Both owners were released on $10,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear in court this week, officials said.