Double-Dipper Ordered to Pay $93K Restitution

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 | 0

A claimant who ran a bar and grill while receiving workers’ compensation benefits was ordered to pay more than $93,944 in restitution and spend a month on house arrest after pleading guilty to first-degree theft, the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries announced.

Dennis J. Bennett, 63, pleaded guilty to one count of felony theft Nov. 29. He was ordered to pay restitution plus court costs. Bennett was sentenced to 30 days in jail, but was allowed to serve that time under house arrest.

Bennett was injured in 2002, and based on his description of the symptoms his doctors eventually declared that he was unable to work, the department said.

But while Bennet was receiving indemnity benefits, the department said he also worked at a bar in Spokane County. L&I investigators observed Bennett serving drinks, cooking and stocking cabinets.