A former rural carrier in Florida was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $650,000 in restitution for falsely claiming workers’ compensation.
The former employee suffered an injury at work in 2000. She filed for benefits with the Labor Department’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program, or OWCP.
She told health care providers that the pain was so bad that she could hardly move or even shower. She sought treatment for mental health issues as well as the physical injury because of the anxiety and depression she said resulted from the injury curtailing her once active, full life.
In 2014, an agent with the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, or OIG, sensed something amiss in the data. OIG agents spent a few weeks observing the woman’s activities and found that she went to the gym regularly, planted trees in her yard and moved boxes around the garage. She was never seen wearing pain patches or medical devices.
And online evidence of outings and parties contradicted claims of a limited social life.
Workers’ compensation claimants are required to report not only improvements in health, but also any outside employment or income. She failed to report rental income she received from a condo lease.
A jury found the woman guilty of four counts of mail fraud. She was recently sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay nearly $650,000 back to the Postal Service.
“Prison time and hefty restitution are just two consequences awaiting any employee who defrauds the Postal Service and the workers’ compensation program. Our special agents will stop fraud in its tracks and reinforce trust in the programs designed to help those truly in need,” said Tammy Hull, the Postal Service’s inspector general.
The OIG recently highlighted the case on its website.
If you suspect or know of mail theft involving Postal Service employees or contractors, report it to the OIG.
