Queens, NY — A former Rikers Island correction officer collected more than $13,000 in pay while allegedly submitting dozens of fake medical notes—including one from a doctor who had already died—to justify extended sick leave, prosecutors said Thursday. The case outlines a months-long pattern of falsified documentation that officials say exploited city policies meant to manage employee health absences.
James Wilson, 46, of Staten Island, was arraigned on multiple charges, including grand larceny and 50 counts of offering a false instrument for filing, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Dozens of fake medical visits alleged
Prosecutors say Wilson submitted at least 50 falsified medical documents claiming he received treatment across several clinics in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens throughout 2022.
The paperwork included letters on official letterhead from multiple practices, indicating he had been treated repeatedly between January and November of that year. Investigators later determined that none of the visits actually occurred and that the medical providers did not authorize the documents.
One detail stood out: Wilson allegedly submitted notes attributed to a physician who had died months before the supposed treatment dates.
Paid leave tied to documentation
At the time, Wilson was employed as a correction officer assigned to Rikers Island, a position he held from December 2016 through May 2024.
According to the investigation, he remained out on sick leave for extended periods between January 2 and November 19, 2022. Under Department of Correction rules, officers on prolonged sick leave must document medical visits if they leave their homes.
Authorities say Wilson used the falsified notes to satisfy those requirements while continuing to receive pay.
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Key Points
• Former correction officer accused of submitting 50 fake medical notes for sick leave
• One document allegedly used name of doctor who died months earlier
• Prosecutors say he collected over $13,700 in pay tied to fraudulent claims
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Investigation details and charges
The case was developed through a joint investigation involving the New York City Department of Investigation and the Department of Correction.
Officials say Wilson submitted documentation claiming treatment at multiple facilities, including Med Care Consultants in Brooklyn, a physical therapy office on Staten Island, and other medical providers.
In total, authorities allege he received $13,727.45 in pay tied to 43 dates supported by fraudulent documentation.
He now faces charges of third- and fourth-degree grand larceny, along with dozens of counts related to filing false documents.
Officials cite breach of trust
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz described the alleged conduct as a deliberate abuse of the system.
“As alleged, this defendant filed dozens of fake doctor’s notes to remain on paid sick leave,” Katz said, emphasizing the inclusion of documentation tied to a deceased physician.
Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia Shihata added that the alleged fraud came during a period when the correction system faced staffing challenges, calling the conduct a violation of both policy and law.
What happens next
Wilson pleaded not guilty at arraignment and is scheduled to return to court on July 13.
If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 2⅓ to 7 years in prison.
The case remains ongoing as prosecutors continue to pursue the charges in Queens Criminal Court.
