Groce's employer (Theodore Claudat) testified that Groce was his sole employee and that Groce had a key to the business premises. Claudat told Groce that he did not have workers' compensation insurance, but he agreed to provide Groce with assistance for his medical expenses. Regarding the August 20 that letter Groce wrote to Claudat, the jury convicted Groce of attempting to dissuade a witness from making a report of a crime. However, the court stated its ruling did not preclude Groce from cross-examining Claudat about whether the checks were written to compensate Groce for his injuries. Groce also notes that Claudat testified that he interpreted the August 20 letter as a threat that he should not testify against Groce.

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