Postal Worker Guilty of Fraud After Running Marathons While Receiving Workers Comp

26 Year Veteran Ran Marathons and Received Workers Comp Benefits

A former Florida postal worker ran her way recently into a federal court sentence, following an investigation by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General.

The 26-year veteran had been convicted of fraud after she was caught running marathons while receiving workers compensation benefits.

According to Jacquelyn Myers’ attorney, the postal service should’ve confronted Myers if they knew she was running marathons while on light duty at work. The judge said he understood that the government had to build its case but, agreed that probation (three years) was appropriate.

Guilty of Healthcare Fraud and Making False Statements

A federal judge claimed just because someone can do this, it doesn’t mean they should do this. However, the judge stated he had to base his sentencing on the jury’s findings and in May, 2012 a jury found 55-year-old Jacquelyn Myers, guilty of healthcare fraud and making false statements to get workers comp.

Ran 80 Athletic Events

Prosecutors report Myers claimed she was physically unable to do her job as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service because of a 2009 back injury yet, she competed in more than 80 athletic events even running the Boston Marathon and winning the title of top athlete in her age group in all of Georgia.

Myers’ attorney denied prosecutors’ claims that the marathon runner misled doctors and her employers just to be put on light duty and have Saturdays off.

Myers’ attorney said Myers did tell her physical therapist that she was running races while on disability. The judge said that the postal service should’ve sat down with Myers and asked what her physical capabilities were.

The judge ordered Myers to pay restitution of $26,714 plus $400 special assessment.

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: [email protected].

WORKERS COMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL: www.WCManual.com

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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