For immediate release: Jan. 19, 2012

Austintown DJ Faces the Music for Workers' Comp Fraud

Schornack caught on video, pleads guilty

COLUMBUS - An Austintown (Mahoning County) man was sentenced last week for workers' comp fraud after Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) investigators caught him on video entertaining partygoers and bar patrons as a disc jockey. Randall Schornack pleaded guilty and must repay more than $27,000 he collected illegally while receiving benefits for a workplace injury.

"As is so often the case, Mr. Schornack continued to maintain his injury to BWC and his treating physicians even as he was simultaneously working in clear violation of the law," said BWC Administrator/CEO Stephen Buehrer. "Area music lovers may have enjoyed his services, but this type of deceitful behavior is not at all amusing to employers who prefer their premiums go toward treating those who are truly unable to work."

BWC's Special Investigation Department (SID) received an anonymous tip on the fraud hotline that Schornack was working as a disc jockey at area bars under the name "DJ Randy Stevens." SID's investigation determined that Schornack was working as a DJ for several bars in Mayfield and also for a professional DJ service in Girard while receiving temporary total disability benefits. The SID obtained video of Schornack unloading and carrying speakers and other equipment from his vehicle into different establishments on a weekly basis and performing work services as a DJ.

Schornack was sentenced in a Franklin County courtroom Jan. 10 and the judge ordered him to pay $27,202.62 in restitution He was also sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for five years of community control.

To report suspected workers' compensation fraud, call 1-800-OHIOBWC, visit ohiobwc.com, or visit www.facebook.com/ohiobwcfraud.

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