Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

A West Portsmouth man was sentenced in Franklin County for returning to work as a truck driver while receiving workers’ compensation benefits for a prior workplace injury. Christopher Galloway was sentenced last week and must repay close to $2,000 he improperly collected from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).

“Mr. Galloway’s work as an independent truck driver was clearly a violation of the law,” Steve Buehrer BWC Administrator/CEO said. “In addition to putting an end to fraud, it is essential that BWC ensure every employer dollar is used for its intended purpose: injured workers who are truly unable to work.”

Buehrer said temporary total disability benefits are typically the first form of compensation awarded during injured workers’ recoveries from work-related injuries. Injured workers cannot work while receiving temporary total disability payments.

The Portsmouth Special Investigations Unit received an allegation that Galloway returned to work as a truck driver. Investigators found that Galloway was working as an independent semi truck driver. He admitted to the work activity and cooperated with the investigation.

Galloway pleaded guilty Feb. 22 and was sentenced the same day in the Franklin County Municipal Court. Judge David Tyack ordered Galloway to pay restitution in the amount of $1,812.18, in addition to $290 in fees and court costs. He also received a sentence of six months in jail, which was suspended for two years of community control.

Buehrer said anyone wishing to report suspected workers’ compensation fraud, should call 1-800-OHIOBWC, visit ohiobwc.com, or visit www.facebook.com/ohiobwcfraud.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com.