Ohio Man Sentenced for Workers’ Comp Fraud

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced a licensed medical doctor in Cuyahoga County was sentenced for workers’ compensation fraud.

Dr. Jeffrey J. Fierra was sentenced to 10 days in Cuyahoga County jail and three years probation. He must pay BWC $150,000 in restitution, a $1,000 county fee and $300 probation fee.

BWC’s special investigation unit (SIU) confirmed through a four year investigation that Fierra had committed workers’ comp fraud. Through a detailed scheme, Fierra billed the agency for services that he never provided. The SIU found that he had falsified paperwork for several hundred injured workers between 1996 and 2000.

As a result of the plea agreement, Fierra agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $150,000 to BWC.

In fiscal year 2003, BWC’s SIU uncovered $102 million in savings from fraudulent activity. There were 130 convictions. The average take in a fraudulent workers’ comp case is $35,000.