Maine’s Highest Court Upholds Workers’ Comp Fraud Conviction

Maine’s highest court is upholding the conviction of a northern Maine man convicted of collecting more than $50,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while operating an engine repair business.

An Aroostook County jury convicted 63-year-old Stephen Tucker Sr. of theft in April 2014. He injured his hand while working as a mechanic in 2006. Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company later hired a private investigator to conduct surveillance of Tucker. Court records say videos show Tucker working full-time and performing various tasks.

Tucker’s claims include a charge that the court erred when it allowed testimony from an insurance adjustor that he believes was inaccurate and prejudiced the jury. The Maine Supreme Judicial Court said Tuesday that the lower court did not abuse its discretion in allowing the testimony.