Work Comp Scheme Sends Woman to Prison

A Colorado woman who collected more than $25,000 in a workers compensation claim faces two years in prison.

Although originally charged with felony theft and forgery, reported by the Sentinel newspaper, the woman pled guilty to one count of making a false statement to achieve a benefit.

The 42-year-old woman claimed she injured her ankle while employed as a housekeeper at a Grand Junction hotel, but failed to report the injury for a month.

A doctor diagnosed her injury as a minor sprain. A month later, however, additional tests indicated more damage to her ankle and she began receiving partial disability and wage benefits from Pinnacol Assurance.

According to the arrest affidavit, the woman bragged about her ability to fool the system and informed some friends the injury wasn't even work related. A co-worker told investigators the woman said she injured her ankle away from work when she got drunk and fell on a street curb. (WCxKit)

The judge ordered the woman to repay $25,500 in restitution, along with serving the prison sentence.