Columbus, OH – An Athens (Athens County) man owes the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) more than $40,000 after he was discovered working while receiving workers’ comp benefits. Dominic Musarra, who was working as a satellite cable installer in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, pleaded to theft and fraud.
“BWC works hard to make it clear that working while receiving certain workers’ comp benefits is not permissible,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “It’s unfortunate Mr. Musarra didn’t make the connection that violating the work rules can have serious consequences.”
BWC’s Special Investigations Department (SID) opened an investigation after receiving an anonymous allegation that Musarra was working for McDish Satellite in Point Pleasant, while receiving Temporary Total Disability benefits. Temporary Total Disability is for injured workers who are totally disabled from work for a short period of time due to a work-related injury or occupational disease. An injured worker cannot work while receiving these payments.
The investigation revealed Musarra was also working as a self-employed satellite technician in conflict with the benefits he was collecting due to a prior workplace injury.
Musarra was convicted of felony counts of grand theft and workers’ compensation fraud.
Musarra was sentenced to five years of community control and general supervision and control of the Adult Parole Authority. He was also ordered to pay $40,432.49 in restitution, in addition to court costs. Musarra must pay $350 per month and pay the full restitution before the five years of supervision has been completed. He issued a $5,000 check to BWC prior to the sentencing date.
Source: Ohio BWC SID