Second Rikers Island Correction Officer Pleads Guilty To Making False Statements To Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that JOVANNY CONCEPCION pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman to making false statements relating to healthcare matters in connection with use of force incidents that took place within Rikers Island.  

“As he has now admitted, Jovanny Concepcion fraudulently received hundreds of thousands of dollars from New York City taxpayers by falsely claiming injuries following incidents where force was used against an incarcerated person,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “New Yorkers pay way too much for government services.  Our Office will continue to hold accountable those who violate that public trust, especially when at the expense of personal liberties and taxpayer dollars.” 

According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court:

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board (the “Board”) administers New York State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, which guarantees medical care and cash benefits to people who are injured at work, including employees of the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”).  Payments by the Board made to DOC employees are paid from the New York City Treasury. For years, CONCEPCION was employed by the DOC as a correction officer and was assigned to work at Rikers Island. During that time, CONCEPCION falsely claimed that he was injured while on duty at Rikers Island during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force.  In total, CONCEPCION received at least $232,427.97 in benefits to which he was not entitled. 

CONCEPCION, 34, of New York, pled guilty to one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  CONCEPCION is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10, 2026.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Department of Investigation, the New York State Office of Inspector General, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.