Columbus, OH – The Ohio BWC’s Special Investigations division recently announced that it netted seven fraud or fraud-related convictions in December, bringing calendar year 2018’s total to 94.
In order of most recent case, December convictions include:
Jason Dudas, Mentor, Ohio
Dudas pleaded guilty Dec. 13 to one count of workers’ compensation fraud, a first-degree misdemeanor, after BWC found him working as a handyman while receiving BWC benefits. A judge ordered Dudas to pay $5,073 in restitution and serve three years of non-reporting probation.
Gabriel Seda, Grafton, Ohio
Seda pleaded guilty Dec. 6 through a Bill of Information to a fifth-degree felony count of workers’ compensation fraud after BWC found him working as a landscaper while receiving BWC benefits. A Franklin County judge ordered Seda to reimburse BWC $33,960 and sentenced him to five years of probation in lieu of a year in prison.
John House, Chris Kraft and Lynn Howard, dba Old Crow Bar, Middletown, Ohio
House, Kraft and Howard, owners of the Old Crow Bar, each pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to disorderly conduct, a fourth-degree misdemeanor, after BWC discovered they weren’t carrying workers’ compensation coverage on their business. A judge sentenced House to 10 days in jail (suspended) and fined him $200 and $90 in court costs. Kraft and Howard were both sentenced to one day in jail (suspended) and fined $100 and $90 in court costs.
Brian Lang, dba Outdoor Inspirations, Holland, Ohio
Lang pleaded guilty to a third-degree misdemeanor charge of attempted failure to comply with the law Dec. 3 after BWC discovered him running a business without workers’ compensation coverage to protect his employees. A judge scheduled sentencing for Jan. 28 after Lang paid $5,304 toward the balance he owes BWC.
Beth Turner, dba Flashions Ltd, Springfield, Ohio
Turner pleaded guilty Dec. 3 to failure to comply, a minor misdemeanor, after BWC found her operating her business without workers’ compensation coverage. Turner was fined $100 and court costs.
To report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, call 1-800-644-6292 or visit bwc.ohio.gov.