Columbus, OH – A Spencerville (Allen County) man was convicted June 1 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for working while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Douglas Roop previously pleaded guilty to one count of workers’ compensation fraud, a fifth-degree felony.
“Fraud investigations are an essential part of our work to ensure Ohio workers are insured for workplace injuries, and employer dollars aren’t going toward fraudulent claims,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “We are pleased to see this case, which began with a search warrant more than a year ago, wrap up and more than $20,000 returned to the State Insurance Fund.”
On March 26, 2014, the Lima Special Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at Roop’s place of employment after receiving an allegation that Roop may have been working while receiving benefits. Investigators obtained evidence proving that Roop worked at his brother-in-law’s two Lima businesses while collecting permanent total disability from June 2012 to September 2013.
The judge ordered Roop to pay court costs and restitution totaling $22,930.67, plus investigative costs of $5,000. If Roop violates the terms of his community control, he will receive a prison term of 12 months.
Source: Ohio BWC SID