Ohio Sentences Man for Workers’ Comp Fraud

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) announced a South Point worker has been indicted for fraud.

Joseph Effingham, a resident of Huntington, W. Va., plead guilty to one misdemeanor charge of workers’ compensation fraud. He was sentenced to one year of probation and is required to pay restitution in the amount of $825. Restitution totaling $1,581.12 had previously been collected from Effingham.

BWC’s special investigation unit (SIU) was alerted to this case when Effingham’s former employer, A&T Plastering, reportedly observed him working. The SIU confirmed that Effingham was hired to remodel a home while receiving benefits from BWC.

Effingham’s original injury occurred in January 2002. While working for A&T Plastering, he sprained his neck and back, and suffered contusions on his hip and shoulder. He was awarded temporary total disability benefits by BWC for his injuries.

After Effingham’s indictment on May 8, 2004, he reportedly failed to attend his arraignment, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. BWC’s Fugitive Task Force coordinated with the Huntington, W. Va., police department to arrest Effingham and transport him to Franklin County.