Ex-National Grid worker pleads guilty in $28G workers' comp scam while running food truck

A former National Grid employee has pleaded guilty to collecting workers’ compensation while operating a food truck in Eastport.

Antonio Esposito, a former logistics worker, ran Espo's Cheesesteak Factory food truck while receiving benefits for a back injury he reported in May 2021, according to the New York State Offices of the Inspector General. Investigators said he collected more than $28,000 between June 2022 and February 2023, despite surveillance footage and social media posts showing him working the truck.

The investigation also found Esposito filed false paperwork claiming no employees or volunteers worked for the truck, even though video showed multiple workers, the inspector general’s office said.

Esposito pleaded guilty to petit larceny Monday in Suffolk County First District Court, according to the office. He paid $27,069.84 in restitution and received a conditional discharge.

Attempts to reach Esposito were unsuccessful Thursday.

Check back for updates on this developing story.