COLUMBUS - A Bloomville man has been ordered to repay nearly $5,000 in restitution for returning to employment while he was supposed to be off work recovering from a prior workplace injury. An Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation investigation culminated in a guilty plea by Adam Long, of Bloomville, in Franklin County last week.
"BWC investigators utilize a variety of tools to uncover fraud and surveillance video can supply some of the most compelling evidence because it is very difficult to refute," said BWC administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "In this case, our investigators were able to clearly demonstrate Mr. Long's premature return to work activities and put an end to the collection of undeserved benefits."
An investigation conducted by BWC's Special Investigations Division revealed Long began working for Keirns Concessions at the same time he was collecting temporary total disability benefits from BWC for an injury that occurred while working for another employer. Investigators found he was performing maintenance on concession trailers and on the company's property.
He also was found cooking for the company and working with customers, serving food and collecting money. Investigators captured Long on video performing the work duties.
Long pleaded guilty to one count of workers' compensation fraud, a first-degree misdemeanor, in a Franklin County courtroom April 17. The judge ordered Long to pay $4,740.36 in restitution to BWC. He also was sentenced to 180 days in jail, which was suspended, and one year of probation. He must serve jail time if he does not pay the full amount back at the end of one year.
