Columbus, OH – A Logan (Hocking County) man was ordered to pay more than $2,000 in connection with working while receiving workplace injury benefits. Shannon Rager pleaded guilty June 26 in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to one count of workers’ compensation fraud, a first-degree misdemeanor.
“Any type of workers’ compensation fraud is a crime, whether it’s committed by an injured worker, a medical provider or an employer,” said Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “We’re pleased that the money in this instance will be returned to the State Insurance Fund, so it can be used to help injured workers who are truly injured.”
The BWC’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) received a tip that Rager was working while receiving BWC benefits. Surveillance was conducted on multiple days, and several witnesses confirmed that Rager was working as a tow truck driver and mechanic. The SIU’s investigation showed that Rager knowingly worked in these roles while receiving BWC benefits.
Rager was sentenced to 12 months of community control. He was also ordered to pay $2,376 in restitution to the BWC.
Source: Ohio BWC SID