Former Okla. Claims Manager Pleads Guilty

The former claims manager for an Oklahoma insurance company has pleaded guilty to five felony counts of grand larceny by fraud. The alleged violations took place between the beginning of January 2005 and the end of July 2005, according to the indictment against Rhonda K. Bonnewell filed by state Attorney General Drew Edmondson.

Bonnewell, the former claims manager for the Oklahoma Restaurant Group Self Insurance Association defrauded her employer of nearly $13,000, the AG’s office maintains.

The indictment, filed July 19, 2007, in the Oklahoma County District Court, accused Bonnewell of writing checks for workers’ compensation insurance claims and using the money to pay personal debts.

Bonnewell was ordered to pay $12,901.92 in restitution and will serve a five-year deferred sentence. “She will also pay court costs and a victims’ compensation assessment,” Edmondson said.