N.H. Man Sentenced for Workers’ Compensation Theft

A 52-year-old New Hampshire man has pleaded guilty to theft in a workers’ compensation case.

Attorney General Kelly Ayotte says Philip Rice of Derry was sentenced to serve six months in jail with the sentence suspended for three years if he remains on good behavior. Rice also must repay The Hartford more than $5,500, apologize in writing to the insurer and perform 485 hours of community service.

As part of the negotiated deal, the state dropped two other charges against him.

Ayotte said Rice was collecting workers’ compensation benefits from The Hartford while working. She said he did not tell his employer he was collecting benefits or report the earnings to The Hartford. Had The Hartford known of the earnings, Rice’s benefits would have been reduced.

Rice was convicted of a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.