N.Y. Health Center Worker Accused of Stealing Identities of Head-Trauma Victims

A former manager of a Long Island health center that treated victims of severe brain injuries has been charged with stealing the identities of dozens of patients and filing phony tax returns that reaped more than $200,000 in refunds, says the Associated Press.

Benjamin Achampong, 30, was arraigned Friday in a Suffolk County court on grand larceny, identify theft, and other counts. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held on $50,000 bail.

Mr. Achampong worked for the Head Injury Association, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and other services for victims of head trauma cause by stroke, disease, or accidents. The association said he had not worked there since 2006.

Prosecutors said the allegedly phony New York returns for 56 association clients were filed in 2006 and 2007 but that the inquiry was slowed by the condition of the victims, who were sometimes unable to assist investigators. Mr. Achampong was extradited last week from Georgia, where he was arrested in November on fraud and identity-theft charges.