WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - A former Massachusetts jail guard charged with doing strenuous construction work while collecting about $16,000 in disability pay for an on-the-job back injury has pleaded not guilty.
Thomas Roy was released on personal recognizance after pleading not guilty Wednesday to charges including workers’ compensation fraud and larceny.
Prosecutors say the 37-year-old Roy, of Ashburnham, worked for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office when he injured his back during a scuffle with an inmate in January 2016. He began collecting disability benefits while telling doctors and bosses he could not even manage light-duty assignments.
Authorities say Roy was caught on video working for his private construction company, operating heavy equipment and swinging a sledgehammer. He was fired in May 2016.
Roy’s lawyer said he was looking forward to proving his client’s innocence.
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