SYRACUSE (AP) -- A former U.S. Postal Service employee has admitted to bilking the federal government out of more than $18,000 in workers' compensation benefits.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Syracuse says 53-year-old Tomas Dombroski of North Syracuse pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to workers' compensation fraud by collecting about $18,350 in benefits over the past two years.

Prosecutors says Dombroski claimed an injury to his right shoulder prevented him from performing his duties as a letter carrier in East Syracuse.

But authorities say investigators videotaped him installing roofs, carrying building materials and cement blocks while doing work for the contracting business he owns.

Dombroski agreed to repay the defrauded amount as part of his plea.

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