If you are collecting workers compensation benefits while working at the same time, expect your days to be numbered before authorities catch on.
A former Columbiana (Columbiana/Mahoning Counties), Ohio man was sentenced recently for running a tattoo shop in Pennsylvania while receiving benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) following a workplace injury. Randy Bartosh pleaded guilty in Franklin County August 15 after repaying more than $4,500.
“Opening a small business is an admirable endeavor, but it is unfortunate Mr. Bartosh chose to do so at a time when he knew his work would conflict with workers compensation benefits,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer.
Fraud Hotline Tip Gets Investigation Going
BWC’s Special Investigations Department opened an investigation after a confidential source contacted the fraud hotline advising Bartosh was engaging physical activity inconsistent with his complaints to doctors in his workers comp claim. Bartosh was receiving the benefits for an injury that occurred while working for Zarbana Industries in Columbiana.
Investigators conducted social media searches, undercover operations and obtained bank records discovering that Bartosh opened in fact owned a tattoo shop called 213’s Tattoo U in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania while receiving temporary total disability benefits. Bartosh tattooed customers, and managed business and marketing operations.
The Ohio Industrial Commission found Bartosh was overpaid and ordered him to return $4541.70, which has since been repaid to BWC. Additionally, Bartosh pleaded guilty to one count of workers comp fraud and one count of theft. A Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judge ordered Bartosh to pay a $100 fine.
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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