Amusement Park Owner Charged in Workers Comp Fraud Scheme

A California amusement park owner charged with workers comp fraud and tax evasion has entered into a plea agreement with the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office.

Following a suspected fraudulent claim referral form from the insurance company, investigators from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, Workers Comp Fraud Unit, served a search warrant on various properties owned and/or controlled by Thomas, 58, and Sharie Davis, 54, both of Fontana. Thomas and Sharie Davis are the owners of Davis Enterprises, a carnival and amusement park business. This is all according to the DA's office.[WCx]

During the course of the investigation it was found that Davis had illegally operated at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego County and other carnivals in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Following the investigation, it was determined that the Thomas and Sharie Davis underreported the amount of their company payroll in order to pay smaller premiums to the State Compensation Insurance Fund, said Deputy District Attorney Michael Chiriatti, Jr., who is assigned to the case.

In addition to the insurance fraud, Thomas and Sharie Davis also failed to pay payroll tax between April 2010 and March 2011.

According to the plea agreement, Davis agreed to pay $195,937 to the State Compensation Insurance Fund and $18,206 to Employment Development Department. In exchange for her pleas, the charges against her husband were dropped. [WCx]

“As of result of their fraud, Davis Enterprises illegally pocketed over $200,000 in taxes and insurance premiums,” said Chiriatti. “This is felony conduct, and I am happy that the defendant has been held responsible for her fraudulent behavior.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He is an editor and contributor to Workers Compensation Management Program: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

WORKERS COMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL: www.WCManual.com
MODIFIED DUTY CALCULATOR: www.LowerWC.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.

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