2 Charged with Workers’ Comp Fraud in Oklahoma; 3rd Pleads Guilty

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has charged two men with workers’ compensation fraud and announced a guilty plea from woman who was previously charged.

Charlie Jones, 45, of Norman faces one count of workers’ compensation fraud.

According to charges filed in Oklahoma County District Court, Jones had filed a claim for injuries to his right arm and hand allegedly sustained while working. He was awarded permanent total disability (PTD) benefits in 2008. In a medical re-evaluation in 2010, Jones claimed constant pain with limited mobility.

During the investigation, Jones was observed feeding animals and cleaning his pool with no visible signs of pain or decreased mobility. The fraud resulted in Jones receiving $11,385 in benefits to which he was not entitled.

Johnny Lee Crowder, 42, of Lawton also was charged with one count of workers’ compensation fraud.

According to charges filed in Oklahoma County District Court, Crowder filed a claim for injuries to his left hand when he tripped and fell while working. Crowder sought medical treatment on May 31, 2010, for an injury to his hand sustained while at home.

During the investigation, investigators discovered discrepancies in Jones’ claim and medical records. On the day in question, the business was closed for holiday and the ambulance picked him up at home not at work as previously claimed.

Timberlynn DeGraffenreid, 34, of Sapulpa pled guilty in Oklahoma County District Court to one count of workers’ comp fraud. She received a seven-year deferred sentence and was ordered to pay $6,225 in restitution through the AG’s Office.

DeGraffenreid filed a claim in 2007 for injuries sustained while lifting a 50-pound bag of dog food at work. However, during an investigation, medical records revealed she had injured herself at home after lifting her 90-pound dog.

Source: Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office

Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation Oklahoma