BWC Investigations Result in 13 Workers’ Comp Fraud Convictions in October

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) investigations result in 13 worker’s compensation fraud convictions or guilty pleas in October. The cases bring total convictions in calendar year 2011 to 114.

Below is a sampling of cases that resulted in a guilty plea or conviction during October, according to officials.

• James Landis pled guilty to a felony count of workers’ compensation fraud for working while receiving benefits. Landis stated on multiple occasions that he was incapable of working in any capacity. However, Landis was the primary operator of a flower shop while on temporary total disability. He interacted with customers, arranged and delivered flowers, set up floral displays at events, and did all administrative paperwork. Landis is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 15. As a condition of his sentencing, he has agreed to repay $8,065.81 in investigative costs. He has repaid 19,000 he received improperly.

• Roger Bolin pled guilty to workers’ compensation fraud and deception to obtain after he filed a false claim to receive narcotic prescriptions. He indicated he was injured in September 2010, although he not worked for the company since June. Investigators obtained documentation showing Bolin did file a false claim and obtained a narcotic prescription by deception. The Hocking County Common Pleas Court sentenced Bolin to eight months prison to run consecutively on each count.

• Donald Johnson was sentenced for deceptively obtaining numerous BWC paid narcotics from multiple physicians and using multiple pharmacies. Johnson agreed in the Butler County Common Pleas Court to pay restitution owed the amount of $2,177.86.

• Daniel Engle pled guilty to one count of workers’ compensation fraud for working while receiving benefits. An investigation was opened after a BWC claims service specialist noted that Engle’s employer, the city of Shaker Heights, submitted a letter prepared by Engle. In the letter, Engle informed the city that he was resigning to start his own computer business. He claimed he was incapable of working in any capacity. Investigators established that Engle repaired computers, sold computers, and sold computer parts. Additionally, Deluxe Transportation/New Valley Taxi employed Engle as a taxi driver. Engle entered a guilty plea in Franklin County Municipal. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail suspended in lieu of three years probation. The court also ordered Engle to pay a $75 fine, court costs and investigative costs in the amount of $4,000. Engle has paid $15,500 in restitution.

• Thomas McAllister was sentenced for deception to obtain dangerous drugs. BWC’s intelligence unit began investigating McAllister after suspecting he was receiving narcotic prescriptions from several physicians and pharmacies. The investigation confirmed that McAllister used deception to obtain narcotic medication from various prescribing physicians. On Oct. 12, McAllister entered a plea of guilty to deception to obtain dangerous drugs, a fifth degree felony. The parties agreed to $424 in restitution. McAllister will be sentenced Nov. 30.

• Mark Robinson pled guilty to one count workers’ compensation fraud for working while receiving benefits. Robinson worked as a general contractor for Bed and Breakfast properties in Hamilton while collecting temporary total disability. He performed maintenance and contractor work at various rental properties. Robinson paid back the full criminal overpayment of $6,463.25 and investigative costs of $1,207.38 for a total of $7,670.63 restitution paid to the BWC.

• Daren Snyder pled guilty to fraud for working while receiving benefits. SID opened an investigation after receiving an allegation indicating Snyder was working while receiving temporary total disability and living maintenance. Investigators found Snyder did return to work as a self-employed plumber during the period he received benefits. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation