Fraud Friday Aug. 2024

Eric Rice, 43, pleaded guilty to Workers’ Compensation Fraud and previously paid the full restitution of nearly $16,000. BWC’s Special Investigations Department (SID) received an allegation that indicated Rice was actively involved in his business, Eric Rice Electric LLC. The subsequent investigation confirmed Rice knowingly and with fraudulent intent worked as a self-employed electrician while collecting BWC benefits to which he was not entitled. On Aug. 12, 2024, Rice pleaded guilty to one count of Workers’ Compensation Fraud, a fifth-degree felony. Following the plea, the judge ordered the defendant to one day in jail, time served. The defendant had previously paid BWC the restitution amount of $15,728.75 in full. SID is a criminal justice agency that actively tracks down and prosecutes workers’ compensation criminals and cheaters. By combatting these fraud schemes, SID continues to secure and uphold the State Insurance Fund and keep the money available to those who need it.