A former Illinois police officer is facing the prospect of a felony conviction after being indicted for multiple charges. The 53-year-old man is accused of filing for a workers’ compensation claim, but did not injure himself on the job. He is facing a felony conviction on several charges involving this claim and the money he allegedly received after the injury occurred.
The man claimed he was injured while working and began to collect workers’ compensation. His medical expenses were taken care of, and he received reimbursement for lost income from work while recovering. However, authorities say when some suspicious circumstances surrounding the claim were noted, an investigation began.
The results of the investigation confirmed the officer did suffer an injury, but it was concluded that the injury did not happen while he was on-duty as a police officer. He has since been charged with two counts of theft. He is accused of fraudulently taking $38,000 in benefits from Maryville and the insurance carrier for over $150,000.
A felony conviction could send this Illinois man to jail, likely affecting his regular employment prospects now and in the future. Of necessity, he will have to mount a meaningful defense in response to the accusations against him. The exact circumstances surrounding this case and what exactly happened with the injury have not been divulged, but it may be in his best interests to seek out assistance to help him as he moves to defend himself against these charges. There is a substantial difference between an accusation of criminal conduct and a conviction, and unless and until a conviction is obtained in court, the man is fully entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.
Source: The Edwardsville Intelligencer, “Former patrolman faces three charges,” Steve Horrell, Dec. 26, 2012