Columbus Woman Convicted of Workers’ Comp Fraud

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) reported today that a Columbus woman was convicted of workers’ compensation fraud.

Bobbie Knapp pleaded guilty in Franklin County Common Pleas Court to a felony count of workers’ comp fraud and received a sentence of five years probation and ordered to repay BWC $18,540.81.

“Workers’ compensation fraud is expensive for all Ohio employers and cannot be tolerated,” said Administrator/CEO Bill Mabe. “The court speaks loudly to the public each time it convicts, fines and sentences people for this crime.”

Knapp was working for Cleaning Management Systems when a ladder fell and hit her on the shoulder in 2002. Knapp’s former employee notified BWC’s special investigations department that she might be working while receiving benefits. The investigation revealed that she was doing general labor for four companies, including Minute Men, Crown Services, Manpower and United Dairy Farmers.

BWC closed the case in August 2005.

Since 1993, BWC’s special investigations department has investigated 41,396 cases and identified more than $1 billion in savings during the same time.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation