By: Richard L. Smith
A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) firefighter has pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal workers' compensation system, according to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice. 
Richard Hyland, 61, of Westbury, New York, admitted in federal court to one count of workers’ compensation fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1920.
His guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden.
Court records and statements made during proceedings revealed that Hyland, who worked as a firefighter at the Lyons VA Medical Center in New Jersey, sustained a back injury in 2014 and subsequently began receiving workers' compensation benefits.
To maintain eligibility for these benefits, he was required to submit annual certifications to the U.S. Department of Labor, affirming that he was not engaged in any employment or volunteer work.
However, these claims were fraudulent. Beginning in March 2017, Hyland took on multiple jobs while continuing to collect benefits. He worked as a tow truck driver, held a position as a long-haul truck driver, and also volunteered at his local fire department.
Despite these activities, he continued receiving federal workers’ compensation payments, ultimately defrauding the system of $479,341.26 between March 2017 and December 2024. 
Hyland now faces serious legal consequences, with the charge carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
His sentencing is set for July 11, 2025.