Celina man defrauds workers' comp

CELINA, Ohio (WDTN) - A Celina man was caught red-handed defrauding Ohio's workers' compensation system.

Jason Dross, 39, pleaded guilty  to a count of workers' compensation fraud.  He was sentenced Friday to pay the State of Ohio nearly $32,000 in restitution.

The Bureau of Workers' Compensation released video of Dross as he worked out using heavy weights.

Dross reported that a workplace injury left him unable to lift more than a few pounds.

"This man put on a show, fooling even his doctor, who put him on a 10-pound lifting restriction," said Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine.   "Jason Dross claimed the pain was so severe that he couldn't work, although investigators with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation found him having no problem working out."

Undercover BWC detectives recorded the video that they supplied to WDTN.com.  Dross was working out at a Celina gym at the time lifting several hundred pounds of weights.

"Many do have a difficult time finding employment when an injury has left them with certain physical restrictions," said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "However, this video makes it very clear that Mr. Dross was not being truthful about his restrictions and he has now been ordered to repay the funds that he received deceptively."

Dross was also sentenced to three years probation.  Nine months of jail time was suspended.