Mineola, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the indictment of Chrysta Cataldo, 40, of Massapequa, for fraudulently receiving more than $16,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while continuing to volunteer as a firefighter and work other jobs.
Cataldo, a former employee of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, is charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Penalties for Fraudulent Practices of the Workers’ Compensation Law, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree. Cataldo pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance. She faces up to seven years in prison if convicted and is due back in court on August 15, 2024.
DA Donnelly stated that Cataldo claimed a back injury just days after starting her new position and subsequently received benefits while continuing to work part-time at a local church, a tax preparation office, and volunteering as a firefighter. Despite these activities, she falsely affirmed on multiple occasions that she was not working.
Cataldo’s fraudulent actions were discovered during routine independent medical examinations required for workers’ compensation beneficiaries. She was arrested and arraigned on July 24, 2024.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Davidman, supervised by Bureau Chief Kristen Fexas of the Public Corruption Bureau, and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whalen.