Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations News Release

Bob Holden
Governor

Catherine B. Leapheart
Director

Tammy Cavender
Public Information Coordinator

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tammy Cavender (573) 751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  February 9, 2004

MISSOURI RANKS SECOND IN NATION FOR MOST WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FRAUD CONVICTIONS

Jefferson City, MO – Missouri’s workers’ compensation fraud and noncompliance unit ranks second in the nation for the most workers’ compensation convictions per capita than any similar unit in any other state, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

For 2002, Missouri had 58 criminal convictions for workers’ compensation fraud, according to the Coalition statistical study of state insurance fraud bureaus published in December.  Nevada is first with 220 convictions.  “This achievement is due to the hard working and dedicated employees who spend endless hours investigating allegations of workers’ compensation fraud,” said Renee Slusher, director of the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.

Further, Missouri’s workers’ compensation fraud and noncompliance unit sent 254 fraud cases for prosecution, also second in the nation according to the study.  “Our success is a direct result of excellent investigators, an Assistant Attorney General who is willing to pursue these cases and our efforts to increase educational outreach to various businesses, civic and labor organizations,” said Dennis Moore, manager of the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Noncompliance Unit.

The Fraud and Noncompliance Unit conducts confidential investigations of all allegations of fraud and noncompliance throughout the state of Missouri.  Over 1,200 allegations of fraud and noncompliance are received and investigated annually.