Firefighter At VA Lyons Hospital Admits To $479K Workers' Comp Fraud

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A firefighter, who worked at the Lyons VA Medical Center in Lyons, admitted to a scheme to commit workers’ compensation fraud, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

Richard Hyland, 61, of Westbury, New York, pleaded guilty to an information charging one count of workers’ compensation fraud before Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court.

Hyland was employed as a firefighter by the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked at the Lyons VA Medical Center in Lyons.

In 2014, Hyland suffered a back injury and began getting workers' compensation benefits. To continue receiving benefits, Hyland certified annually to the U.S. Department of Labor that he was not working or volunteering anywhere else, according to documents filed in this case and statements made in court.

These certifications were false, according to authorities.

Hyland instead worked as a tow truck driver and as a long-haul truck driver and volunteered at his local fire department, according to authorities.

From March 2017 through December 2024, Hyland fraudulently received $479,341.26 in workers’ compensation benefits.

Hyland faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,00 fine. The sentencing is scheduled for July 11.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.