A Lengthy Island bodybuilder accumulating incapacity insurance coverage for years for a supposedly devastating harm was later caught pumping iron on-line, and now the dumbbell has to pay the ill-gotten money again, authorities stated.
Anthony Ragusa, 52, pleaded responsible in Suffolk County Court docket to at least one rely of second-degree grand larceny.
The clueless muscleman’s scheme began when he took a spill again in 2013 and claimed his accidents from his fall as an electrician have been so extreme that he couldn’t work. Ragusa was additionally the president and proprietor of WhiteStar Limousine on the time he was accumulating advantages.
New York Lawyer Basic Letitia James stated in a press release that Ragusa additionally claimed he couldn’t sit for longer than half-hour or stroll for greater than 15.
Suspicion rose amongst investigators in 2017 when Ragusa — all rippling muscle tissues, tattoos and buzz minimize — was allegedly seen power-lifting on social media.
Investigators have been ready to take a look at photographs and video of the ripped Ragusa coaching for bodybuilding competitions on his spouse’s Instagram account, based on the prosecutors. The photographs have been later deleted.
“His unlawful and shameful actions are an insult to those that really dwell with disabilities, and I’ll at all times take motion to convey fraudsters like Ragusa to justice on behalf of the police,” James stated in a press release.
Ragusa’s spouse, Loly Ragusa, is a part of the Worldwide Federation of Bodybuilders. Ragusa was an obvious common at Bev Francis gymnasium in Syosset, which is alleged to be a “mecca” for bodybuilders.
Prosecutors stated Ragusa took advantages from January 2015 till 2020, regardless of persevering with to run a enterprise and pump iron.
Ragusa, who didn’t return messages looking for remark, should full 5 years of probation and pay the Social Safety Administration $200,000 in restitution. If he doesn’t comply, he might be benching behind bars for 3 years.
