California Business Owner Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Tim Shelley, owner of Tim’s Plumbing, was arrested on felony charges of workers’ compensation insurance fraud and grand theft. A joint investigation with the Department of Insurance and Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office uncovered Shelley’s multiple illegal business operations, alleged warranty scam and insurance fraud.

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that Shelley deliberately failed to obtain workers’ compensation insurance for his employees. There were instances in which employees were injured and were discouraged from claiming workers’ compensation benefits. As a result, severely injured workers were unable to afford their medical costs for treatment and suffered significant financial hardships.

Further investigation revealed that Shelley was also allegedly operating a warranty replacement scam. The scam involved removing warranty tags on water heaters installed for customers and then turning in a false warranty claim, Shelley received a number of free replacement units from the manufacturer.

Shelley was arrested on June 24, 2014.The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office will be prosecuting the case. If convicted, Shelley faces up to 18 years in state prison and $260,000 in fines.

Source: California Department of Insurance