An Albany, N.Y., tattoo parlor owner who said he was unable to work is facing workers’ compensation fraud charges for allegedly defrauding the New York State Insurance Fund.

Officers of the Albany Police Department recently arrested Scott Sawyer, 36, of Poestenkill, N.Y., on charges of felony insurance fraud and falsifying business records, after a joint investigation by NYSIF’s Division of Confidential Investigations and the New York State Insurance Department frauds bureau.

Surveillance showed Sawyer allegedly worked as a tattoo artist at the shop he owns and operated, Addicted to Ink Tattoo, while collecting workers’ compensation benefits from NYSIF.

Investigators said Mr. Sawyer signed and returned a sworn statement to NYSIF that he had not worked due to his hand injuries. The investigation, however, allegedly revealed that Sawyer received $2,200 in workers’ compensation payments to which he was not entitled while operating his business.

NYSIF estimated potential future savings in the case at $139,415, as what Sawyer would have been paid over the life of his claim.