LOCKPORT - A Lockport man pleaded guilty today in Niagara County Court to forging notes from a doctor to keep disability checks coming after he had recovered from injuries suffered in an auto accident.

Matthew J. Luke, 27, of Chapel Street, pleaded guilty to fourth-degree insurance fraud and faces up to four years behind bars when he returns before County Judge Sara Sheldon Farkas for sentencing Nov. 29.

Luke also must repay $14,969 to State Farm Insurance, which he collected between May 2010 and September 2011.

Assistant District Attorney Heather A. DeCastro said Luke had a legitimate note from a physician saying he was injured, and kept copying it and altering it slightly to try to fool State Farm. DeCastro said Luke apparently was working at the time.