Two Iowa Men Sentenced in Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme

Two Iowa men were sentenced this month in connection with workers’ compensation fraud.

Trey Wysocki, age 40, of New Virginia was sentenced on March 11, 2024, after pleading guilty to one count of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony). Kristopher Stapes, age 39, of St. Charles was sentenced on March 19, 2024, after pleading guilty to one count of Accessory After the Fact (Simple Misdemeanor). Both men were sentenced following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

The investigation began in February 2023, after the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau received information indicating that Wysocki and Stapes provided false information to an insurer in support of a workers’ compensation claim and received monetary benefits to which Wysocki would not otherwise have been entitled to.

The investigation determined that Wysocki was employed by Stapes when he cut his hand with a power saw while on the job. Wysocki submitted a workers compensation claim, stating that he was unable to work due to a severe injury to his hand. The insurance company approved Wysocki to receive workers compensation benefits for the duration of time that he would be off work due to injury.

The investigation found that Wysocki continued working for Stapes while also collecting workers compensation benefits. Wysocki received $1,055 in benefit payments he otherwise would have not been entitled to. Wysocki was arrested on September 6, 2023 and Stapes was arrested on September 7, 2023.

Wysocki received a deferred sentence and was placed on probation for a period of two years. Wysocki was also ordered to pay a civil penalty of $1,025. Stapes was ordered to pay a fine of $105 as well as restitution.

Source: Iowa Insurance Division

Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation Numbers Iowa