The trial of a former Boston firefighter on mail fraud charges began this week in US District Court. Albert Arroyo, 49, took a disability retirement in 2008 following what he claimed was a debilitating slip and fall injury. Two months later he was caught competing in a body building contest.
Federal prosecutors filed mail fraud charges against Arroyo, and plan to prove that he was living a life that included playing baseball and competing in bodybuilding contests while claiming to be permanently disabled. According to prosecutors, Arroyo sought $65,000 per year in disability payments for life.
Arroyo’s lawyer claims that bodybuilding was “therapy” for Arroyo’s back injury, and that Arroyo was pressured into taking a disability retirement by his superiors. Arroyo faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
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