For immediate release: Feb. 6, 2012

Cleveland Woman Collecting Workers' Comp Caught Working at Veterinary Hospital

Palmer guilty of fraud, must repay $8,000

COLUMBUS - A Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) woman was sentenced last week for fraud after Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) investigators found she was working for a veterinary hospital and a local charity while receiving benefits for a workplace injury. Nancy Palmer pleaded guilty and must repay more than $8,000.

"Charity work and caring for man's best friend are both admirable but not when you're committing fraud by collecting paychecks for that work," said BWC Administrator Steve Buehrer. "This type of workers’ comp is available to those whose injuries truly prevent their return to work, but fraud will bring you unwanted attention from BWC investigators."

BWC's Special Investigations Department (SID) received an allegation that Palmer had been working at a local veterinary hospital. Investigators found she had returned to work as a veterinary assistant while receiving Temporary Total Disability benefits. She was performing duties such as office work, assisting during surgeries, cleaning and taking care of animals. It was also found that Palmer was working as a telephone solicitor for a local charity.

Palmer entered a guilty plea January 31 to a felony count of workers’ compensation fraud. The judge ordered Palmer to pay $7,457.72 in restitution and $1,000 for investigative costs. She was also sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for eighteen months of community control.

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

# # #

Editor's note:
Photo available for download Nancy Palmer