A Columbia Falls woman was found guilty of felony theft of workers’ compensation benefits paid by Montana State Fund, the state Attorney General’s Office announced Friday.
A Helena jury found Velma Faye Irvin, 51, guilty on Nov. 13.
Irvin was employed as a baker at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. On May 3, 2013, Irvin filed an injury report with Montana State Fund, claiming she had hurt her arm and shoulder while making pizza at work that morning. After filing the claim and seeking medical treatment, Irvin returned to work in a light-duty capacity until July 3, when she quit.
The following month, State Fund received reports from Irvin’s former co-workers that she had actually injured herself by tripping over her dog at home, not as a result of an on-the-job event. Montana State Fund paid out approximately $3,130 in work comp benefits to Irvin between April 28, 2013 and August 20, 2013.
“Yesterday’s verdict is proof positive that Montanans take work comp theft seriously, no matter how large or small an amount of money is involved,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “This win is due to the good and cooperative work of Assistant Attorney General Mary Cochenour, Division of Criminal Investigation Agent Butch Huseby, and State Fund Investigator Shane Shaw, and I thank them for their efforts to ensure our public dollars are carefully accounted for.”
Sentencing is set for Jan. 8.