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The owners of Triple Star Roofing were found guilty of fraud in July for failing to report payroll. Frederick Diebert and Michelle Scaggs were trying to keep from paying their workers’ compensation premiums. They face sentencing on September 13 and could receive one to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) received an anonymous tip that Triple Star Roofing was operating with employees, but was reporting that it had none. Many of the Triple Star workers said they felt like employees, even though Triple Star Roofing labeled them as subcontractors, and issued them 1099 tax forms.
Further investigation by the BWC found workers received weekly checks indicating “payroll” in the memo line. Furthermore, the BWC received two claims filed by injured workers of the company. Diebert or Scaggs never appealed those claims.
The result of this under-reporting of premiums was nearly $300,000 from 2004-2008. Additional amounts for 2009-2012 are pending.
We are glad to see that the BWC has identified those who are willing the cheat hardworking employees out of their benefits. Please contact us if you suffered a serious injury at work; we can walk you through the entire process, and help you maximize your chances of an approved claim. Call 614-221-7548 to schedule your free consultation today.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus workers comp lawyers