Toledo Man Gets 30 Days for Comp Fraud

A Toledo man has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for committing workers’ compensation fraud, according to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. William Douglas was sentenced to 30 days jail time, two years community control, court costs and restitution in the amount of $2,534.76.

BWC’s special investigations unit (SIU) was alerted by an automated detection and intelligence team search that showed Douglas was receiving wages while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. During the investigation, the SIU revealed that Douglas was an employee at Atlas Paving, Raceway Park and Cappelletty Asphalt Repair.

Douglas’ original injury occurred in June 2000. He worked for Foster Wheeler Zach where he lost footing at a construction site and twisted his back. BWC allowed the claim and began providing him temporary total benefits and 30 days of living maintenance.

In fiscal year 2003, BWC’s SIU uncovered $102 million in savings from fraudulent activity. There were 130 convictions. The average take in a fraudulent workers’ compensation case is $35,000.