Warren Man Fined for Defrauding Workers' Comp
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Mark Owens of Warren is one of eight individuals convicted of, or who pleaded guilty to, charges related to defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system in November. He pleaded guilty Nov. 18 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to a misdemeanor count of theft for working while receiving benefits.
The court actions are the result of investigations the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's special investigations department conducted. "The actions of these individuals are all illegal and our special investigations department is doing an outstanding job of conducting investigations to return dollars to the state insurance fund," said Steve Buehrer, BWC administrator.
The special investigations department opened the case against Owens after performing a cross match with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services that indicated he was working while receiving temporary total disability benefits.
Agents obtained employment records and found that Owens regularly returned to work for a temporary agency as a general laborer from January 2011 through March 2012. Owens was sentenced to 38 days in jail, given credit for the eight days he had served, and the remaining time was suspended for three years of community control. As a condition of community control, Owens was ordered to pay $6,121.59 in restitution to BWC. He paid $800 at sentencing to begin his repayment.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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