NORWICH, CT — A local police officer is accused of illegally collecting workers' compensation benefits while he was physically able to do the job.
Ryan Dunn, 28, of Norwich, was arrested on Aug. 25, according to the Office of the Chief State's Attorney.
Dunn was charged on a warrant with second-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, and fraudulent claim or receipt of benefits.
Inspectors from the state Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit arrested Dunn.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit, in February, Dunn reported he had injured his knee attempting to push his patrol vehicle out of the snow.
As a result, he was put on temporary partial disability and started receiving wage replacement benefits from the city of Norwich.
A recipient on this benefit program is considered to have limited work capacity and must inform their employer if their injury improves, according to the state.
In March, another doctor gave Dunn medical clearance indicating he was physically capable, with no restrictions, to participate in a Police Officer Standards and Training physical agility exam, the warrant states. Dunn was still out of work and receiving disability benefits, according to the warrant.
"Dunn then performed, and passed, a physical agility exam as part of the hiring process for another police department while out of work collecting workers' compensation benefits from the City of Norwich," the chief state's attorney's office said, in announcing the arrest.
The physical agility test required Dunn to complete a 300-meter sprint, a 1.5 mile run and perform sit-ups and push-ups.
Dunn surrendered himself at the Rocky Hill Police Department. He was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond, and he is due to appear in Superior Court in Norwich on Sept. 2.
Norwich Police Capt. Kyle Besse said the department put Dunn on paid administrative leave on Aug. 20, after learning of the warrant for his arrest.
The Norwich Police Department is conducting its own, separate internal review of the matter, according to Besse. It has no involvement in the criminal probe, he said.
"The department recognizes the importance of maintaining public confidence and takes allegations involving any member of the Norwich Police Department seriously," Norwich police said, in a news release. "At the same time, Officer Dunn is entitled to the same due process afforded to any person facing criminal charges."
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