Ohio Woman Must Repay $32K in Workers’ Comp Benefits

A Ohio woman was ordered to repay more than $32,000 in connection with working while collecting workplace injury benefits. Laura Brown pleaded guilty April 9 in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to workers’ compensation fraud, a fifth-degree felony.

“Ms. Brown’s employment was discovered through a cross-match report from the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “We partner with other agencies and with the general public, and request that anyone who suspects workers’ compensation fraud contact us. Your tips are anonymous, and they assist us in our ongoing efforts to protect the State Insurance Fund.”

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) received the cross-match report, which indicated that wages were reported for Brown in 2011 and 2012. Interviews and employment records enabled the SIU to confirm that Brown returned to work as a home health aide while receiving temporary total disability and living maintenance benefits.

Brown was ordered to repay $32,928.05 in restitution to the BWC. She was sentenced to serve 11 months in prison, which was suspended for five years of community control. If she violates the terms of community control, Brown will serve that time in prison.

Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation