CHEYENNE – The Department of Workforce Services (DWS) is committed to upholding the integrity of the Wyoming Workers’ Compensation system, which is intended to provide financial support to individuals injured on the job and to assist in their recovery and return to employment. In light of Sophia Hardy’s criminal sentence for fraudulently obtaining Workers’ Compensation benefits, DWS reaffirms its dedication to combating fraudulent activities that undermine the health of the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund.
Ms. Hardy was sentenced on Nov. 14, to three years of probation for forgery. In January 2021, Ms. Hardy sustained a work-related injury and applied to receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits for time lost from work.
In April 2022, Ms. Hardy was cleared by her doctor to work. Between April and November 2022, Ms. Hardy produced five TTD certifications to extend benefits, forging her doctor’s signature and thereby deliberately misrepresenting her claim. Ms. Hardy fraudulently received $19,813.42 in TTD benefits, which is a felony under Wyoming Statute § 27-14-510(a)(ii) Misrepresentations or false statements.
In addition to three years of probation, Ms. Hardy was ordered to repay DWS the entire amount.
“The impact of Ms. Hardy’s actions extend beyond the financial losses suffered by the Workers’ Compensation program. This fraudulent behavior undermines the foundation of trust that underpins our operations. It creates a ripple effect throughout the program, casting doubt on the legitimacy of other claims and increasing scrutiny and administrative burdens on honest applicants,” said Chad Seidel, Quality Assurance Manager for DWS.
Workers’ Compensation fraud impacts all stakeholders involved – employers, employees, and the state. “Fraudulent claims threaten the sustainability of the Workers’ Compensation program and cause an undue burden through increased premiums on the businesses responsible for providing coverage to their employees,” Jason Wolfe, DWS Workforce Standards Administrator, said. “We will continue to do everything we can to expose and deter fraud, ensuring a fair and efficient compensation process for all hardworking individuals and businesses in Wyoming.”
The Department will vigorously pursue those engaging in deceptive practices, ensuring accountability and promoting a level playing field for all. We encourage the public, employers, and employees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Insurance claims. If you are aware of fraudulent activity, please visit our website at dws.wyo.gov/fraud for more information on how this can be reported. Working together, we can preserve the integrity of our systems and safeguard the welfare of our workforce and industries.