Prison Doors Slamming Shut Is Strong Reminder Workers Comp Fraud Does Not Pay

 

Keith Miller of Grove City (Franklin County), Ohio was recently ordered to pay restitution to the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) after he admitted to altering paperwork he submitted to request injured worker benefits. Miller pleaded guilty in a Franklin County courtroom and must repay more than $30,000.

 

According to BWC officials, Miller was receiving Living Maintenance Wage Loss, which is available to an injured worker who has completed a rehabilitation plan but continues to have physical restrictions and experiences a wage loss upon return to work.

 

 

 

BWC's Special Investigations Department received an allegation in 2010 that the wage statements Miller submitted to request compensation appeared to be suspicious. The statements had conflicting work dates and appeared to have been altered.

 

Investigators interviewed Miller and his employer, and he ultimately admitted to altering the statement forms and submitting false payroll records in order to receive benefits.

 

"It can be frustrating for someone who can work following an injury but faces employment at a lower wage," said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "Living Maintenance can help close that gap, but is clearly not justified if submitting false information is the only way to gain approval."

 

 

 

Miller pleaded guilty to one felony count of workers comp fraud was sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for a five-year period of community control. He was also ordered to pay $30,240.31 in restitution.