Lewis Center woman sentenced for workers’ compensation fraud Print E-mail
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2005

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced a Delaware County woman has been sentenced for a misdemeanor charge of workers’ compensation fraud.

Camille Smith was sentenced to pay court costs. Additionally, Smith paid BWC $6,585.20 in restitution prior to her court date.

“Our team of special agents and our partners work hard to seek out individuals who try to cheat the workers’ compensation system,” said James Conrad, BWC’s Administrator and CEO. “Fraud is a serious crime and those who commit fraud in Ohio will be punished for their actions.”

BWC’s special investigations unit (SIU) learned of possible fraud by Smith when her employer notified the agency. The investigation confirmed Smith was working while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. She worked as administrative support staff for Connolly, O’Brock and Associates.

Smith suffered injuries to her neck in May 2002 while working for the Ohio Department of Transportation. BWC awarded Smith temporary total disability benefits for her injuries.

BWC’s SIU specializes in identifying and investigating workers’ compensation fraud. Since its establishment in 1993, the department has saved the agency over $820 million. In 2004, the department saved the agency approximately $126 million, the highest amount yet recorded.

For every dollar spent on special investigations, BWC’s SIU identifies more than $11 in savings. The average take in a fraudulent workers’ compensation case is $34,000.

To report workers’ compensation fraud, call 1-800-OHIOBWC or contact your local BWC customer service office and ask for the fraud department. You also can submit an allegation on BWC’s Web site at ohiobwc.com.

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Media contact: Jeremy Jackson, BWC, (614) 752-7558 or Emily Hicks, (614)728-6197.