Texas Harvester Sentenced for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Texas Mutual Insurance Company reported that Patricia Chavez of Sabinal, Texas pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation fraud-related charges.

The Travis County 390th Judicial District Court sentenced Chavez to three years of deferred adjudication. The court also ordered Chavez to perform 200 hours of community service, pay a $250 fine and repay $2,959 in benefits she fraudulently obtained from Texas Mutual Insurance Company.

According to Texas Mutual, Chavez reported a job-related injury while working as a seasonal harvester for Holmes & Holmes Inc. of Knippa, Texas. She claimed she was unable to work as a result, and Texas Mutual began paying her workers’ comp income benefits.

Meanwhile, Texas Mutual obtained video surveillance evidence that Chavez was faking her disability and inability to work. The video showed Chavez was able to walk and move without restriction, the company said.

Source: Texas Mutual Insurance Company