5 West Virginians Indicted in Multiple Insurance Fraud Charges

A Kanawha County, W. Va., grand jury indicted five individuals in multiple cases involving insurance fraud last week, according to the state’s Insurance Commissioner, Jane L. Cline,.

Tina Marie Browning, 40, of Eskdale, was indicted on one felony count each of forgery, uttering and fraudulent schemes. Along with Browning, Linda Foster, 60, also of Eskdale, was indicted on one felony count of fraudulent schemes. Browning and Foster allegedly wrote checks on an account and continued to receive workers’ compensation benefits meant for another individual who had passed away and had lived at the same residence. Both individuals face a possible sentence of one to 10 years in a state correctional facility and a fine of no more than $10,000 on each felony count, in which they are charged.

Terry L. Grimmett, 48, of Bruno, was indicted on one felony count each of workers’ compensation fraud and obtaining money by fraudulent schemes. Grimmett is accused of receiving disability payments from Brickstreet Mutual Insurance Co., to which he was not entitled. If convicted, Grimmett faces a possible sentence of one to 10 years in a state correctional facility and a fine of no more than $10,000 on each felony count.

Donald E. Kidwell Jr., 32, of Delbarton, was indicted on two felony counts of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly receiving temporary disability benefits to which he was not entitled. If convicted, Kidwell Jr., faces a possible sentence of one to 10 years in a state correctional facility and a fine of no more than $10,000 on each felony count.

Patsy Sue Tawney, 41, of Elkview, was indicted on one felony count of first degree arson and one felony count of insurance fraud. Tawney allegedly set fire to a mobile home that she shared with her husband and mother in law, in Elkview, and then subsequently filed an insurance claim for the damage. If convicted, Tawney faces a possible sentence of one to 10 years in a state correctional facility and a fine of no more than $10,000 on each felony count.

Benny Todaro, 35, of Crab Orchard, was indicted on seven felony counts of failure to file premium tax reports to the Workers’ Compensation Commission. Todaro who owned Todaro Construction and Remodeling allegedly failed to obtain workers’ compensation coverage for his employees as well as withholding payroll taxes without distributing the funds to the appropriate agencies. If convicted, Todaro faces a possible sentence of one to 10 years in a state correctional facility and a fine of no more than $10,000 on each felony count.

Source: West Virginia Insurance Commission

Topics Fraud Workers' Compensation