Massage Therapist Surrenders on WC Charges

Pairlee Wanda Roland, 48, surrendered to authorities at the Sacramento County Jail and was booked on three counts of insurance fraud alleging that she misrepresented workplace injuries. Bail was set at $5,000.

According to investigators, in Dec. 2000, Roland stopped working as a Legislative Assistant for the California Legislative Assembly Rules Committee due to depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, back problems, neurological problems, and irritable bowel syndrome. In June 2001, Roland filled out an Employee Statement for Long-Term Disability Benefits on which she indicated she had not worked at her occupation or any other occupation since the date of injury and was not involved in any self-employment. An investigation revealed Roland had allegedly been working as a certified massage therapist and esthetician at her business, Skin’sations since Feb. 2001 while she was out on disability.

In May 2003, CDI investigators interviewed Roland who stated she started actively working at her business in March 2001. She offered no explanation as to why she previously lied. Roland believed even if she admitted ownership of a business that it might influence the decision regarding her benefits.

If convicted, Roland could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000. The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.