Tennessee Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud in Virginia

A Tennessee trucker faces 193 charges for workers’ compensation fraud in Virginia.

William Douglas Pickel was reportedly picked up by Virginia State Police (VSP) on May 21 as he was leaving Big Sandy Federal Prison in Inez, Ky. after serving a sentence for Social Security Disability Insurance fraud. He was arrested on 193 charges of “obtaining money by false pretense,” the statute under which insurance fraud is prosecuted according to the VSP.

Pickel lived in Blountville, Tn., and worked for Combs Trucking out of Bristol, Va. in 1994 when he was involved in a traffic accident and began drawing workers’ compensation. The total approximate claim was $150,000.

An investigation by the VSP was said to reveal that while Pickel was receiving workers’ comp for his 1994 injury, he was operating a power washing business and driving for another trucking company.

Upon receiving his maximum benefits, Pickel apparently applied for Social Security Disability Insurance.

A jury trial has been set for August 8, 2008.

Source: Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Program.