An officer with the Norwalk Police Department had been accused of fraudulently collecting nearly $20,000 worth of workers’ compensation benefits.
Steven Luciano, 44, of Norwalk was arrested Monday on charges of perjury, first-degree larceny and fraudulent claim or receipt of benefits, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
He turned himself in to inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney after investigators obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Officials with the DCJ said the warrant affidavit alleges that Luciano reported suffering an injury on Nov. 17, 2024. Authorities said he reported injuring his neck when he got out of a vehicle while working a shift as a police officer.
Following the incident, Luciano was diagnosed with a cervical spine injury, officials said. He was then placed in a temporary total disability status by his health care provider until he could be released to work by a physician.
Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, which managed the insurance claim, began conducting surveillance on Luciano in January. Despite saying his right hand grip strength was compromised, making it impossible to use his gun, investigators allege that Luciano was involved in weightlifting at a local gym, according to officials.
Authorities also said Luciano provided false testimony in a deposition taken by attorneys representing the city of Norwalk.
Luciano is free on a $10,000 non-surety bond and is scheduled to face a judge on Dec. 3 in Stamford Superior Court.
According to Norwalk police Chief James Walsh, Luciano has been placed on leave pending the outcome of the criminal and an internal investigation.
“We are taking this matter very seriously and have been fully cooperating with the investigation conducted
by the Office of the Chief States’ Attorney,” Walsh said in a statement.
“The Norwalk Police Department holds all personnel to the highest standards of integrity,” Walsh said. “While we cannot discuss details of the ongoing case, I want to assure the community that we are committed to transparency and maintaining public trust.”