Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Staffer Charged With Bribery

A supervisor in Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation program has been charged with bribery.

Agents from the state attorney general’s public corruption unit arrested 53-year-old James McDonnell of Scranton on Monday. His wife, 44-year-old Michelle McDonnell, was also arrested and charged with conspiracy.

Prosecutors say McDonnell promised Pennsylvania business owners who were insured through the State Workman’s Insurance Fund that he could reduce their premiums in exchange for kickbacks. Prosecutors say they documented at least 15 instances in which McDonnell issued refunds without any supporting documentation.

McDonnell and his wife allegedly received more than $80,000 from the scheme between 1999 and 2011.