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A Massachusetts woman has been arrested and charged with illegally collecting workers’ compensation benefits while being employed at a storage facility in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Chief States Attorney’s office reported that Mackenzie Coonan, of Rutland, Massachusetts, was arrested by inspectors from the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit for allegedly not reporting income from another job while collecting the disability benefits.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, in March 2024, Coonan reported suffering a head injury while working in the warehouse area of the Staples distribution center in Putnam. Coonan claimed she struck the back of her head on metal shelving while attempting to retrieve a box from a lower shelf.

Initially, Coonan was permitted to return to work after three days. Coonan was subsequently placed on temporary total disability (TTD) and then temporary partial disability (TPD) by her treating providers and began receiving TTD and TPD benefits.

During the period of benefits, recipients are considered to have limited work capacity and must inform their employer of any improvements in their injuries and report any income beyond the benefits provided.

Officials maintain that Coonan received workers’ compensation wage replacement benefits in the amount of $22,597.96 from August 21, 2024, through July 10, 2025. Documentation indicates that while out on workers’ compensation, she also was working part-time and full-time hours as a dispensing agent at a marijuana dispensary in Webster, Massachusetts.

Officials further allege that she provided false testimony in a deposition hearing.

The case will be prosecuted by the Workers’ Compensation Fraud Control Unit.

The charges are merely accusations, and Coonan is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Topics Talent Massachusetts Connecticut