Two Ohio men were dealt their sentences recently for workers compensation fraud.
According to information from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC), the first case involved a West Portsmouth (Scioto County) man, sentenced in Franklin County for going back to work as a truck driver while obtaining workers comp benefits for a previous workplace injury.
Christopher Galloway must repay nearly $2,000 he improperly gathered from the Bureau of Workers Compensation.
“Mr. Galloway’s work as an independent truck driver was clearly a violation of the law,” commented BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “In addition to putting an end to fraud, it is essential that BWC ensure every employer dollar is used for its intended purpose: injured workers who are truly unable to work.”
Admission and Cooperation Regarding the Investigation
The Portsmouth Special Investigations Unit came across an allegation that Galloway went back to work as a truck driver. Investigators found that Galloway was working as an independent semi truck driver. He admitted to the work activity and cooperated with the investigation.
Galloway pleaded guilty in late February and was sentenced the same day in the Franklin County Municipal Court.
Judge Tyack ordered Galloway to pay restitution to the tune of $1,812.18, along with $290 in fees and court costs. He also received a sentence of six months in jail, which was suspended for two years of community control.
Meantime, a fellow Buckeye State resident also ran afoul of the BWC.
A review of court information shows that Richard D. Ketcham was sentenced and must repay more than $26,000 he improperly collected from the BWC.
The Lima (Allen County) man was sentenced in Franklin County for operating a photography business from his residence while receiving workers comp benefits.
“An investigation revealed that Mr. Ketcham was operating a photography business from his home while collecting disability funds,” noted BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “His actions were a blatant disregard of the law and took funds that are reserved for injured workers unable to work.”
Loose Lips Sink Ships
BWC’s Special Investigations Department came upon an allegation that Ketcham made comments indicating he might be employed while receiving disability from BWC. Investigators discovered that Ketcham earned profits from his photography business while collecting temporary total and living maintenance benefits.
Ketcham pleaded guilty Feb. 27 and was sentenced the same day in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.
Judge Guy L. Reece II ordered Ketcham to pay restitution to BWC in the amount of $26,716.38. He also was placed on community control for three years.
In the event Ketcham violates the terms of community control, he will serve seven months at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
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