May 6, 2019

Workers' Comp Fraud — Washington

Amount: Over $70,000

A Washington man is facing charges for working while claiming workers' compensation for a disabling back injury suffered at work. He has been receiving workers' comp since early 2013 for a back injury he suffered while working as a shellfish harvester. An anonymous tipper called Washington's fraud hotline and claimed the fraudster was working for his wife's company. Investigators found that the fraudster was still performing commercial shellfish harvesting. Witnesses told the investigation team that the fraudster offered to sell shellfish to a large wholesaler. Investigators later recorded the fraudster loading bags of oysters into trucks owned by that wholesaler. During that time he still declared on official records that he was not working and was unable to work due to his on-the-job injury from 2013. He told his physical therapist that apart from walks and going to the pool he did nothing except rest to keep the pain at bay. During an interview with the case investigator, the fraudster maintained his innocence, denying working for the shellfish company, claiming that he was still too injured to work. He has been charged with stealing more than $70,000 in workers' compensation benefits, including vocational, medical, and replacement wages. He could face ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine and be required to pay restitution and other costs.