Media Advisory: Dec. 2, 2010

Chillicothe Businessman Sentenced for Theft and Workers’ Comp Fraud

COLUMBUS – A Ross County medical equipment supplier was sentenced today on charges of theft and workers’ compensation fraud. Marcus Brown, owner of Acme Elevator, located in Chillicothe, was convicted in September of theft and workers’ compensation fraud. The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s (BWC) Special Investigations Department (SID) that found Brown had been billing the BWC for services he never provided to an injured worker.

Today, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Timothy Horton sentenced Brown to three years of community control with basic supervision; $5,500 in restitution; a $2,500 fine; and payment of all court related costs.

“Manipulative billing practices is just one form of fraud that can unfairly endanger the integrity of the State Insurance Fund,” said SID Director Tom Wersell. “Our top priority is to combat this kind of unethical practice by protecting the investment of Ohio employers and the BWC’s ability to care for injured workers.”

The SID opened its investigation after a data analysis showed Brown had submitted three service invoices (C-19’s) for a wheelchair vehicle lift within a five-month time period for the same injured worker. After further analysis and interviews with the injured worker, BWC determined that a vehicle wheelchair lift was never installed. As a result, the investigation concluded that Brown had received $5,500 in reimbursement for services that were never provided.

To report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, visit ohiobwc.com, or call 1-800-OHIOBWC.

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