Columbus, OH – Ghassan Awad of Columbus (Franklin County) pleaded guilty to workers’ comp fraud Nov. 18 and repaid nearly $7,000 in workplace injury benefits he collected illegally.
A cross match with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services revealed Awad received wages from Rabi Inc. during the third and fourth quarters of 2011, a time when he was collecting temporary total disability compensation for a prior workplace injury.
SID’s investigation showed Awad knowingly worked for the company collecting bad checks during periods he was receiving disability compensation. The investigation also confirmed Awad failed to notify the BWC or his physician of record of his employment.
Awad pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of workers compensation fraud in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. He paid restitution in the amount of $6,897.87 prior to his plea and sentencing. Judge Horton sentenced also ordered Awad to pay court costs.
Source: Ohio BWC