Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Comp. reports 4 convictions

Four people were convicted for workers’ compensation fraud, including three Miami Valley residents.

“We’re here to support injured workers as they try to get back to work and back to life, not supplement the income of able-bodied people cheating our system,” said Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator/CEO Stephanie McCloud.

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  • Lori Hines, of Waynesfield, Auglaize County, pleaded guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor count of failure to comply after BWC found Marshall's Hydraulic Services operating without coverage since January 2017. An Auglaize County Municipal Court judge sentenced Hines to a year of non-reported probation, a 90-day suspended jail term and a $100 fine. She subsequently paid her BWC balance in full and her coverage was reinstated.
  • Clark A. Howard, of Springfield, pleaded guilty to a fifth-degree felony count of workers' compensation fraud after BWC investigators discovered him working for a pizza shop in London, Ohio, and as a machine press operator for another business. A Franklin County judge ordered Howard to 30 months probation in lieu of a year in jail and to pay the BWC $13,518 in restitution.
  • Ben Patterson, of Xenia, pleaded guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor count of failure to comply after BWC found him operating his landscaping company without coverage since 2009. Investigators worked with Patterson to reinstate coverage, but he failed to establish a payment plan. Patterson paid all outstanding BWC premiums, related fees and interest the day before his court hearing. A Xenia Municipal Court judge sentenced him 90 days in jail, suspended upon the condition he not have a similar offense for five years and fined him $150 plus court cost.
  • Patricia Simon, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to a first-degree misdemeanor count of workers' compensation fraud after BWC determined she intentionally submitted a false statement to support her claim for benefits. A Franklin County judge ordered her to pay a $250 fine and $128 to BWC for investigative costs.

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To report suspected workers' compensation fraud, call 1-800-644-6292 or visit bwc.ohio.gov.

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