Sandusky man sentenced for workers’ compensation fraud Print E-mail
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2005

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced a Sandusky man has been sentenced for a felony charge of workers’ compensation fraud.

Bradley Horning was sentenced to five years probation, court costs and restitution in the amount of $7,311.73 to BWC.

“BWC is determined to seek out those who try to cheat the system and are constantly on the look out for suspicious behavior,” said James Conrad, BWC Administrator and CEO. “Individuals who commit fraud are participating in a serious crime with serious consequences.”

BWC’s special investigations unit (SIU) learned of possible fraud by Horning from an anonymous source who called BWC. The investigation confirmed Horning was self-employed while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. He was operating a service to haul trash and heavy objects to garbage facilities.

Horning suffered injuries to his right knee and leg in June 1997 while working for CWE Haslage Trucking Inc. BWC awarded Horning temporary total disability benefits for his 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.