An Ohio woman was sentenced on multiple counts after agents with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) captured video of her running her own clothing store while receiving workers’ comp benefits for a prior workplace injury.
Bernice D. Stephens was sentenced March 12 and must repay more than $88,000.
“Ms. Stephens was collecting benefits from the BWC, Social Security Disability and her previous employer,” said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. “She’s been brought to justice and has been ordered to return a staggering amount of money she was never entitled to receive.”
The BWC’s Special Investigations Department opened an investigation after receiving an allegation that Stephens, using the name Naomi Miller, owned and operated a clothing store in Akron. The department was also told she prepared income tax returns out of her home. Agents visited her store, called Devotice, and secretly videotaped as they purchased items from her. She told them she made African garments for weddings and events.
Stephens pleaded not guilty to charges of mail fraud, theft of public funds and false statement, but a jury found her guilty of all three on Dec. 13. She was sentenced to 10 months in jail followed by three years of supervised release. She must pay restitution to the BWC in the amount of $88,705.08, plus a special assessment of $300.
Source: Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC)
Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation Ohio
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Chevron Warns California Risks Fuel Crisis Unless Iran War Eases 
Meta Loses Insurance for Defense in Major Social Media Addiction Litigation 
After 62 Years, Florida Appeals Court Drops the Expert Witness Rule on Attorney Fees 
Chubb Outlines Structure of $20B Gulf Reinsurance Facility, Now Including Liability Cover 
