Wash. Man Ordered to Repay $27,814

The Wash. Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has ordered an Arlington man to repay $27,814 after an investigation showed he reportedly collected workers’ compensation benefits illegally.

The state agency ordered Stewart Hutchens, 28, to repay $18,542.70 in time-loss and vocational benefits he collected fraudulently between Nov. 2001 and May 2002. State law allows an additional 50 percent penalty, bringing the repayment order to $27,814.05.

Hutchens was receiving time-loss benefits for an on-the-job injury he sustained in Nov. 2000 while working for a refrigeration and heating company in Burlington.

The department opened its investigation after a cross match against Employment Security Department data showed earnings reported from two separate employers during the time period Hutchens was receiving time-loss and vocational benefits from L&I.

The investigation showed Hutchens had reportedly been working as a pizza delivery driver and car salesman during a time period he reported to L&I that he was incapable of returning to work because of his on-the-job injury.