Guilty to Workers’ Comp charges

A Tulsa County man pleaded guilty to two felony counts of workers’ compensation fraud after charges were brought by Attorney General Scott Pruitt’s Workers’ Compensation, Social Security and Insurance Fraud Unit.

Joseph Max Hutton, 20, a first-time offender, was offered to serve a five-year deferred sentence and is ordered to pay more than $7,000 in restitution.

Hutton said while working for a car dealership in June 2013, he was struck by a vehicle driven by a co-worker. Hutton claimed his back, left leg, hip and tail bone were all injured. While skipping a scheduled doctor’s appointment, Hutton was videoed playing golf and swinging a golf club without showing any sign of injury. An agent with the attorney general’s office showed the video to an orthopedic doctor and physical therapist that had previously treated Hutton for his injuries. Both medical professionals confirmed Hutton’s actions on the golf course were inconsistent with the physical presentation he made at each of their offices.

Hutton later admitted to an agent he could have returned to work earlier but chose not to.

The Workers’ Compensation, Social Security and Insurance Fraud Unit investigates and prosecutes fraud on the part of claimants, doctors, attorneys and insurance companies. The unit also provides education and training about workers’ compensation fraud. To report workers’ compensation, social security or insurance fraud contact the Attorney General’s Office at (405) 521-3921 or visit the AG’s website at www.ok.gov/oag.