San Jose Police Dispatcher Accused Of Disability Fraud: D.A.

SAN JOSE, CA — A San Jose police dispatcher has been charged with fraudulently pocketing more than $84,000 in disability insurance money after she returned to work after a non-work related disability, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office reported Tuesday.

Wendy Vaccaro, 41, of Campbell, officially left work and began receiving payments in early
2017.

Vaccaro, who was due to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Department 23 of the Hall
of Justice in San Jose, faces jail time if she is convicted of the felony fraud charges.

"Disability insurance is meant to get people back on their financial feet while they regain the
ability to work,” county prosecutor Vonda Tracey said. “It’s not meant to supplement your income for personal profit."

Vaccaro went out on medical leave from the police department in late March of 2017. She came back about three months later without notifying the insurance company that was issuing her $5,600-a-month checks. Her fraud was discovered in September of 2018, and she was arrested a month ago. She is currently on administrative leave.