Norwalk Police Officer Accused Of Illegally Collecting Workers' Compensation Benefits: DCJ

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk police officer accused of illegally collecting over $19,000 in workers' compensation benefits while employed by the Norwalk Police Department was arrested last week, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice.

According to a news release provided by the DCJ, Steven Luciano, 44, of Norwalk, was arrested on Nov. 24 by inspectors from the Workers' Compensation Fraud Control Unit in the office of the chief state's attorney on a warrant charging him with perjury, first-degree larceny and fraudulent claim or receipt of benefits.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Luciano reported he injured his neck while exiting his vehicle in November 2024 while he was working as an officer for the Norwalk Police Department.

Following the incident, medical professionals determined Luciano suffered a cervical spine injury and he was placed in a temporary total disability, or TTD, status by his health care provider until he could be released to work by a physician, according to the DCJ.

According to the DCJ, TTD is a wage replacement benefit paid by the employer's workers' compensation insurance carrier while the claimant is unable to perform any type of work due to a work-related injury or illness. The recipient is considered to have zero work capacity and must inform his employer of any medical improvement.

Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, which was managing the insurance claim, initiated surveillance on Luciano in January during activities outside of his employment, which the DCJ noted is a common practice utilized by insurance companies to assist in deciding whether a claimant is exceeding the physical restrictions or limitations set forth by a treating physician.

Luciano claimed his right-hand grip strength was compromised and he could not return to work with the limitation that he could not use his firearm, however surveillance revealed he was engaged in weightlifting activities at a local fitness club that were inconsistent with the physical limitations reported to his healthcare provider, according to the DCJ.

Investigators also determined Luciano provided false testimony in a deposition taken by attorneys representing the city of Norwalk, according to the DCJ.

Luciano is accused of illegally collecting $19,581.63 in workers' compensation benefits, according to the DCJ.

Luciano surrendered himself at the Rocky Hill Police Department on Nov. 24 and was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in court later this month, according to the DCJ.

The Norwalk Hour reports Police Chief James Walsh said Luciano was placed on leave pending the outcome of both the criminal investigation and an internal investigation.

Walsh also emphasized the department was taking the matter "very seriously" and assured the community Norwalk police were "committed to transparency and maintaining public trust," The Hour reports.