In Cuyahoga County, Ohio, a worker at a plant is being charged with workers’ compensation fraud. The man claimed that he sustained injuries after falling in the production plant where he was employed. While investigating the incident, authorities in the case discovered evidence which indicates that the man may have staged the accident.
Security videos were reviewed as part of the investigation. The tape shows the man removing plywood covering a hole in the floor; he then proceeds to stomp around in order to enlarge the pit. Authorities made the argument that he was checking for witnesses before staging the alleged incident. Footage from the following day showed the man getting into the hole and screaming for help. He claimed to have been injured in a fall and was taken to the hospital by ambulance.
The worker plead no contest to the charges and was convicted of fraud. He was sentenced to 80 hours of community service and given one years’ probation. There is no information regarding the status of his job and if he is still employed. The president and CEO of the company expressed surprise that the man engaged in these activities, further stating that the employee had been present when the cameras were installed.
Insurance fraud and other white collar crimes can have serious consequences. With more companies employing the use of security cameras, it becomes more likely that someone will be caught on camera and could face criminal charges. An attorney might negotiate a plea bargain with the district attorney or represent the defendant in open court in order to mitigate the penalties.
Source: WWMT, “Man caught on camera in workman’s comp fraud case“, October 11, 2014