Nesconset Man Stands Trial For LIRR Disability Fraud

A Nesconset man's activities are coming under intense questioning as a trial gets underway to determine whether or not he attempted to collect phony disability pay from LIRR. 

Former LIRR crew supervisor Fred Catalano, 52, is facing charges of fraud and conspiracy as part of an alleged scheme to collect phony disability pay from the federal Railroad Retirement Board, Newsday reports.

Thirty-one of the 33 accused defendants have pled guilty. However, Catalano and former conductor Michael Constanza, of Merrick, have decided to face trial in Manhattan's federal courts. 

Dr. Alton Barron, a faculty member at Columbia University's medical college, testified on Monday Catalano's post-retirement activities as a martial arts instructor is inconsistent with his disability claim of back, neck and shoulder injuries. 

Read more on Newsday [subscription required] about medical expert's testimony on Catalano and Constanze's disability cases.