Chris Baxter of NJ.com reported that former Camden, New Jersey firefighter and Brazilian Jiu JItsu Black Belt Shane Streater has been charged with stealing $82,488 in state disability payments while continuing to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The 40 year old, applied for accidental disability pension after an on the job neck and back injuries that took place in 2007 when his fire truck was struck by another automobile and in 2008 when his fire truck hit a pothole.
Despite filing for the disability pension, Streater continue to participate in BJJ and competed in at least once Grapplers Quest tournament in 2010 which he won the bronze medal. He also received his Black Belt in BJJ in 2010. He was also teaching two or more BJJ classes a week at a local BJJ school. One of his matches was available on Youtube, but has since been taken down.
When Streater was originally given a less lucrative’ordinary’ disability pension which pays 40% of salary and is taxed in 2010. Streater appealed and fought for the ‘accidental’ disability which pays 66% of salary and is untaxed. His appeal led to an investigation where his BJJ activites were uncovered by authorities. This led to the pension board revoking Streater’s disability in 2012.
If convicted of theft by deception, he faces five to 10 years in prison. Streater was charged by summons and not arrested, authorities said, and the case will be presented to a grand jury for possible indictment. Since being charged, Streater released this statement on his Facebook page.
