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Boardman Man Found Guilty of Workers' Comp Fraud
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Thomas Hofus of Boardman was sentenced Friday for committing fraud after pleading guilty to working as a landscaper and roofer while receiving workers’ comp benefits. The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation conducted a surveillance operation and caught Thomas Hofus on camera replacing a roof.
“Workers’ comp is intended for those who cannot return to work while recovering from an injury. However, surveillance by our investigators showed Mr. Hofus was clearly capable of physical work,” said Steve Buehrer, BWC administrator/CEO. “BWC remains committed to putting a stop to cases like this that place employer dollars in the hands of those who are not honestly representing their ability to work.”
The bureau's special investigations department acted on a report that Hofus was operating a curbing and landscaping business called World Class Curbing while receiving temporary total disability benefits for an earlier workplace injury. Witness interviews, a review of financial records and surveillance videos confirmed that Hofus returned to work in violation of the conditions to receive those benefits. The evidence showed Hofus operated as a salesman at home and garden shows, provided customers on-site estimates, supervised employees at job sites and participated in much of the physical work associated with landscaping and roofing.
Hofus pleaded guilty Aug. 13 to one count of workers’ compensation fraud, a fifth-degree felony, in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. He was ordered to pay restitution of $12,662.17 and sentenced to one year incarceration, suspended for three years of community control. Terms of his probation include a substance abuse evaluation, any follow-up treatment recommended, and a requirement to maintain employment, Buehrer said.
To report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, call 1-800 OHIOBWC or visit http://www.ohiobwc.com.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.