Luzerne County man convicted in $650,000 workers’ comp swindle

SCRANTON - A federal jury in has found a businessman guilty of pilfering nearly $650,000 from a Luzerne County workers' compensation fund.

Executive Claims Administration president Charles Costanzo of Dunmore was convicted today of funneling more than $300,000 of taxpayer money to a personal account, using some to buy a luxury SUV and giving about $28,000 to his mother.

Prosecutors say he also deposited more than $330,000 from the Luzerne County workers' compensation fund into a personal investment account, according to the Times-Tribune.

Defense attorney Joshua Lock says Costanzo was entitled to the funds under contract, but jurors rejected his argument.

Costanzo was convicted of a total of 19 charges, including conspiracy, fraud and money laundering. He faces prison and fines in excess of $5 million.

No sentencing date has been set.