Sheriff’s deputy faces jail over workers’ comp fraud

Up to 15 years behind bars could be the punishment for alleged fraud

Sheriff’s deputy faces jail over workers’ comp fraud

Workers Comp

By Ryan Smith

A California sheriff’s deputy may be looking at up to 15 years in jail after being charged with 14 counts related to alleged workers’ compensation fraud.

Matthew Tobolsky, a San Diego sheriff’s deputy, claimed he had suffered a back injury but was allegedly spotted working out with heavy weights at a gym. He’s now facing numerous charges including insurance fraud, filing a false claim, attempted perjury and failing to disclose information that affects a payment.

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Tobolsky claimed in January that he had suffered a back injury as a result of lifting two five-gallon water bottles, according to a report by the San Diego Union-Tribune. According to authorities, Tobolsky said he was suffering from debilitating pain, which rendered him unable to do even light duty on the job. But a Sheriff’s Department investigation found evidence that Tobolsky had misrepresented his physical condition.

The investigation found that Tobolsky, despite his claims of disability, was working out with weights at a gym, according to the Union-Tribune.

Tobolsky’s alleged scam resulted in $57,000 in losses, the Union-Tribune reported.


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