Rikers rip-off: NYC correction officer nailed for $171k in overtime scam

A New York City Department of Correction (DOC) officer, a 56-year-old man from Staten Island, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with federal program fraud for allegedly stealing over $170,000 through false salary and overtime claims.

James Internicola, a veteran with the DOC since 1996, had responsibilities that included overseeing all recycling operations at Rikers Island. 

The charges were announced by Breon Peace, United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge James Smith and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber.

According to the U.S. attorney, Internicola defrauded both the city and the DOC by falsely claiming to have worked significant hours, including overtime.

“As alleged, the defendant defrauded the people of New York City and the New York City Department of Correction by claiming to work significant amounts of hours, including overtime, that he did not actually work,” Peace said. “Instead of being at work, the defendant was often at home or even on vacation. 

“Correction officers who steal tax dollars by fraudulently obtaining compensation should take note of today’s arrest and know that this office is working with our law enforcement partners to root out corruption at Rikers Island,” Peace continued. 

Intericola earns an annual salary of $92,073 per year, according to public records. However, he has been padding his annual income with overtime for years. Since 2016, when Intericola earned $80,788 in base salary, he has managed to pull in at least $112,000 in salary with overtime. 

In 2018, Internicola earned a base pay of $85,292, but was able to more than double his pay with overtime and earned $184,230 according to public records. In 2022, he pulled in $175,224 just in overtime money after a $92,073 salary, which left him with $267,297 overall that year before taxes…