CHARLOTTE, N.C – A former postal employee has pleaded guilty to workers compensation fraud for a job-connected injury, announced by U.S Attorney Dena J. King.
According to court documents, Mooresville resident, 73 year-old Johnnie Sullivan Sr. was employed by the U.S postal service as a mail processor clerk in Charlotte.
Reports state that in May, 2005 Sullivan Sr. sustained an injury at work. Officials say later that year, Sullivan Sr. began to receive workers compensation benefits.
In order to receive and maintain FECA benefits, Sullivan, Sr. was required to submit periodic reports regarding his physical condition and his inability to perform a Postal Service job.
Court documents show that, on multiple occasions, Sullivan, Sr. made false statements and material misrepresentations regarding his physical abilities and medical restrictions.
Among the false claims, it was reported that Sullivan, Sr. stated that he was unable to sit for long periods of time, that he could only drive short distances, that he needed to use a cane when he walked, and that he was unable to travel or engage in hobbies and other recreational activities due to his medical condition. As a result of the false statements, over the years Sullivan, Sr. received payments totaling more than $103,261.
According to court records, during the time that Sullivan, Sr. made these false claims, he was posting on social media photos of his many long-distance trips and physically rigorous activities.
For example, Sullivan, Sr. posted photos of himself traveling to places in Europe and the United States; walking long distances over different types of terrain; zip-lining in Niagara Falls, New York; using surf boards and boogie boards during beach vacations; and participating in shag dancing events.
“For years, Sullivan, Sr. lied about his pain and suffering caused by an on-the-job injury to bilk the federal workers’ compensation program out of thousands of dollars, and used the funds to pay for recreational activities,” said U.S. Attorney King. “When individuals defraud an important program meant to protect injured federal workers, my Office will make sure they are held accountable for their actions.”
Sullivan, Sr. pleaded guilty to making a false report in connection with federal compensation benefits and theft of government funds. He was released on bond after the court hearing. A sentencing date has not been set.
