Was he railroaded? Defense claims Long Island Rail Road worker is scapegoat in pension scandal
By APWednesday, October 21, 2009
NY judge mulls bid to drop LIRR scandal charges
MINEOLA, N.Y. — A New York judge is considering a request to drop criminal charges against a longtime Long Island Rail Road employee linked to a disability pension scandal.
Nassau County Judge John Kase heard arguments Wednesday from defense attorneys seeking to dismiss a 49-count indictment against Fred Kreuder.
He was charged last year with official misconduct. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s office says that while on duty, Kreuder was advising co-workers on the proper way to file disability forms after they retire.
His arrest followed revelations that virtually every LIRR employee who applies is granted disability pension benefits from a federal railroad agency.
Kreuder’s attorneys contend he may have violated ethical standards, but did not break the law. They say he is being made a scapegoat.
