Pinedale woman found guilty of Workers’ Compensation fraud
by Wyoming Department of Workforce Services
August 7, 2013
Delaine Davis of Pinedale has been convicted of workers’ compensation fraud and was ordered by Judge Marvin L. Tyler to pay $11,072 in restitution to the State of Wyoming. Davis will serve 4-6 years in the Wyoming Women’s Center for fraud, among other charges. Davis had improperly filed $11,072 in workers’ compensation claims while gainfully employed with a business in Pinedale.
Davis’s case originated as a tip to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) from the Sublette County Sherriff’s office. DWS works with Wyoming district or county attorneys to prosecute pending cases. The case was brought as part of the partnership between the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) within DWS and Sublette County Deputy Attorney Clayton Kainer.
"Worker’s compensation is an important program for injured workers in Wyoming," Sublette County Deputy Attorney Clayton Kainer said. "It is imperative that those who fraudulently obtain benefits be held accountable. Our office diligently prosecutes all cases involving fraud and deceit such as this."
The DWS SIU leads fraud prevention and enforcement efforts for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance fraud within the department. The SIU is in various stages of investigation or prosecution of fraud for nearly 150 workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance cases. Since the department’s reorganization, DWS Director Joan Evans has placed an emphasis on fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars.
"The Department of Workforce Services is dedicated to program integrity and responsible stewardship of taxpayer money," said DWS Director Joan Evans. "I would especially like to thank the Sublette County Attorney’s office for its commitment to prosecuting this case."
The recovered workers’ compensation monies are returned the Workers’ Compensation Fund.
"Workers’ compensation is intended to help workers injured on the job," said Director Evans. "We won’t stand for people who defraud and abuse this important program."
Fraud can be reported directly to DWS by calling 307-777-6370, or by visiting the following link: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/contact/Pages/report-a-fraud.aspx.
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