West Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Workers Compensation Fraud

A Wyoming County, W. Va. man pleaded Monday guilty to one misdemeanor count of wrongfully seeking workers compensation benefits in an amount less than $1000, according to West Virginia Insurance Commissioner, Jane L. Cline.

Charles R. Blessard, 37, of Oceana, W. Va., was indicted on four counts of wrongfully seeking workers compensation benefits on Sept. 28, 2006, and was later arrested on June 5, 2007, after failing to appear to enter a plea on the indictment, Cline said.

Blessard continued to seek disability benefits from his previous employer after going to work for another employer, according to Cline. Blessard faces a sentence of up to one year in a county jail and a fine of up to $2,500, or both, Cline added.

Source: West Virginia Insurance Commission