Columbus, OH – BWC’s Special Investigations Department began an investigation into Ruth Brock of Coshocton (Coshocton County) after receiving an allegation that she was not truthful with BWC about job search activities, enabling her to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Brock was receiving non-working wage loss, which is payable to injured workers who are unable to find suitable employment In order to qualify, the injured worker must demonstrate a good faith effort to secure employment within physical restrictions.
The investigation showed Brock knowingly misrepresented her job searches to BWC in order to continue receiving these benefits. Investigators reviewed the job searches Brock submitted and did not find a single business that had an application on file for her. She was also submitting the forms with future dates in order to ensure an uninterrupted income stream.
Brock pleaded guilty May 14 to one misdemeanor count of workers compensation fraud. The judge ordered $1,092.76 in restitution, and Brock paid in full. She was also sentenced to one day in jail, suspended for time served.
Source: Ohio BWC SID