Former Boston Firefighter Charged In Disability Case

A Boston firefighter who participated in a bodybuilding contest last year after claiming he was permanently disabled has been charged with fraud in connection with his application for an accidental disability pension.

The U.S. Attorney's office announced Wednesday that Albert Arroyo was indicted on a mail fraud charge. The 47-year-old fire prevention inspector said he was disabled after slipping on a staircase.

A second former Boston firefighter, 65-year-old James Famolare, was also accused of seeking a fraudulent disability pension.

A fire department clerk, 31-year-old Erika Boylan, faces charges of perjury and obstruction of a grand jury investigation. She is on paid leave.

Fire Commissioner Rod Fraser said he welcomed the federal action and has cooperated in the investigation.

Attorneys for Arroyo did not immediately return calls. It's not known if Boylan and Famolare have lawyers