Columbus, OH – A Kentucky man recently pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony, for collecting over $11,000 in disability benefits from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) while operating his lawn care business.
Michael Strother was the subject of a BWC Special Investigations Department (SID) investigation after an allegation he owned and operated his business, Eastern Style Lawn Care LLC while receiving BWC benefits.
The investigation found Strother was working for nine months and hid his work activity from BWC to continue collecting BWC temporary total disability benefits.
The investigation into Strother consisted of multiple surveillances, including videos of Strother performing lawn care services without any apparent injury.
On December 19, 2022, Strother pleaded guilty to one count of theft, a fifth-degree felony. Strother was ordered to pay restitution of $11,237.77 to BWC and sentenced to 12 months of community control, nonreporting.
If Strother violates the terms of his probation, he is subject to a suspended sentence of 12 months in jail.
Source: Ohio BWC