Calif. Correctional Officer Arrested on Two Counts of Workers’ Comp Fraud

A California Department of Corrections Correctional Officer surrendered to a Riverside Court last week on two felony charges of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. The suspect allegedly failed to notify his insurance carrier of additional employment income in order to receive benefits to which he was not entitled.

Charles Allen Shivers, 46, a Corona resident, pled not guilty to two charges of workers’ comp fraud. If convicted, he could face up to five years in state prison and/or fines of up to $50,000. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

According to investigators, Shivers filed a workers’ comp claim for an alleged injury to his back on September 28, 2000 while employed with the Riverside Transit Agency as an entry level mechanic.

On October 8, 2000, while on temporary total disability, Shivers was appointed as a Correctional Officer Cadet with the California Department of Corrections. He reported for duty at the Correctional Officer Academy in Northern California. Upon graduating on December 22, 2000, Shiver reported for duty at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco.

While employed as a Correctional Officer, Shivers received approximately $14,366 in disability payments that he was not entitled to. According to investigators, Shivers gave verbal and written statements to his physician stating that he had not worked since the date of his injury with the Transit Agency.