Prosecutor Counterpunches Kickboxer Taking Illegal Comp Benefits

Wednesday, December 21, 2016 | 0

A Midland Beach kickboxing instructor has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor petit larceny after collecting $37,500 in workers’ compensation benefits.

“While collecting disability checks, this defendant was found to be perfectly capable of earning an income on his own by working as an instructor for a kickboxing class,” District Attorney Michael E. McMahon told silive.com.

Eugene Reems, 49, claimed to have been injured in 2007 while working as a Verizon lineman and began receiving comp benefits. In 2012, Reems’ wife and cousin opened CKO Kickboxing of Westerleigh and hired Reems, silive.com reported.

After surveillance video showed Reems performing kicking and punching moves, Reems agreed to pay $37,500 in restitution and forfeit future workers’ compensation benefits.