Chesterfield County, Va.

For almost four years this drywall hanger was using more than the tools of his trade to increase his income. From December 1997 until July 2001, Ernest J. Stevens of Powhatan, Va. was fraudulently receiving disability while continuing to work. A total of $44,000 was paid to Stevens based on his claim of total disability.

Stevens submitted a disability claim to his insurance company in 1997 stating he was totally disabled with rotator cuff tendonitis in his left shoulder and surgery was planned. Continuance claim forms Stevens sent to the insurance company indicated that he was still totally disabled and without income.

A complaint to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation for poor workmanship by Ernie Stevens Drywall indicated a payment of $5,500 for home repairs and raised the suspicions of the insurance company. Subsequent investigations revealed that he was conducting home inspections and was later gainfully employed with a construction firm while receiving disability payments. Stevens was receiving an annual salary of $52,000 while working for the construction firm.

Stevens pled guilty to obtaining money by false pretense. He was tried by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Ken Nickels in Chesterfield County and sentenced to seven years in prison with seven years suspended for a period of 20 years. Stevens was also ordered to pay restitution to the insurance company in the amount of $42,000 plus 6 percent interest.

The Virginia State Police is committed to "Stamp Out" insurance fraud occurring in the Commonwealth. If you have knowledge of a fraudulent insurance scheme or suspect you may have been the victim of insurance fraud, report the activity to Virginia State Police Insurance Fraud Division on the insurance fraud hotline at 1-877-62FRAUD (1-877-623-7283) or visit www.stampoutfraud.com. You may also be eligible to receive a reward of up to $25,000.