Woman Sentenced for Illegally Collecting Dead Husband's Comp Benefits

April 24, 2003
A Bethel, Ohio woman pled guilty to one count of felonious workers' compensation fraud in a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas.

Judy Riddle was ordered to make restitution in the amount of $5,401 and was sentenced to a two-year period of community control for continuing to collect workers' compensation benefits intended for her deceased husband.

"Workers' comp fraud is damaging to Ohio's employers and injured workers," said James Conrad, CEO/administrator, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). "To all those who try to steal, let this case be an example: BWC and its business partners will find and punish you if you defraud the workers' comp system."

Joseph Riddle was injured on July 9, 1992. While lifting a heavy mold, he sustained a sprained lumbosacral and disc displacement. BWC allowed the claim and awarded Riddle permanent total disability (PTD) benefits.

However, BWC's special investigations unit (SIU) launched an investigation on July 9, 2002, when a BWC claims service specialist (CSS) began receiving returned BWC mail with deceased written on it. The CSS then referred the case to the SIU for further investigation, because PTD benefits are terminated when an injured worker dies.

The investigation revealed Riddle died on Feb. 26, 2002. Between Feb. 26 and June 20, 2002, BWC made nine deposits into the Riddle's joint checking account; no other deposits were made into this account. During that time, Riddle made five withdrawals totaling $5,147.21, including one transaction BWC caught on tape.

Riddle was interviewed and admitted to making two withdrawals. She was indicted on Jan. 23, 2003.

In fiscal year 2002, BWC's SIU uncovered $98.8 million in savings from fraudulent activity. It referred 312 subjects for criminal prosecution.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

Sponsored Recommendations

Artificial Intelligence: What It Means for Safety and What's Next

Feb. 27, 2025
AI is changing the way many industries do business. Matt Law joins “The Case for Safety Podcast” to share how it’s impacting the safety profession.

10 Things Safety Professionals Should Know About Fire Sprinkler Systems

Feb. 27, 2025
From "The Incredibles" to "Changing Lanes," pop culture is full of myths about fire sprinkler systems. Expert Chris Butts helps set the record straight.

How to Improve Safety and Organizational Culture Through Risk Management

Feb. 27, 2025
By understanding and applying risk management concepts, you can improve safety and organizational culture — often with greater support from leadership.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: How to Overcome Current and Future Safety Challenges

Feb. 27, 2025
Lithium-ion batteries have helped usher in incredible technological advances from smartphones to electric vehicles — but they carry risks other batteries don't.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!