Columbus, OH – The owner of a Sandusky roofing company pleaded guilty to fraud Sept. 28 for failing to maintain appropriate workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Steve Petrick, Jr., Owner/Operator of Steve Petrick Roofing, caught the attention of BWC’s Special Investigations Department after an anonymous tipster alleged he was operating his business without the required coverage.
BWC’s Employer Compliance Department attempted to assist Petrick with bringing his policy into compliance, but he claimed he had no employees and continued operating his business without coverage.
The case was forwarded to BWC fraud investigators after an injury claim was filed against the policy while the policy was lapsed. The investigation and surveillance proved Petrick Roofing had been in continuous operation with employees. Petrick again failed to come into compliance following an interview with agents.
Petrick pleaded guilty to a felony count of attempted workers’ compensation fraud in the Erie County Court of Common Pleas. Sentencing is set for Nov. 9, 2016.
Petrick owes outstanding premiums/penalties of approximately $54,000.
Source: Ohio BWC SID