Nebraska Woman Gets 5 Years’ Probation for Work Comp Fraud

A woman convicted of embezzling public money by fraudulently receiving more than $20,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while working at the VA Hospital in Grand Island , Neb., has been sentenced to 5 years of probation.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Omaha says a federal judge sentenced Shirley Piontkowski, of Phillips, on Feb. 14. She must repay the money.

Prosecutors say Piontkowski filed a workers’ compensation claim due to injuries suffered in December 2007. In May, she began submitting falsified documents to extend her time away for work and to continue to receive benefits. She made false statements and misrepresentations on reports she furnished for medical appointments and doctor’s notes and for medical travel expenses.

Piontkowski was charged in July. She pleaded guilty in November.