Ronan Man Convicted in Worker’s Compensation Fraud Case

The Montana Attorney General's Office is declaring victory in a worker's compensation fraud case that has been going on since 2008. Last Wednesday, a jury convicted Perry Joseph Penfield of Ronan on two counts of felony theft.

Communications officer for the Attorney General's office Anastasia Burton says Perry will face a "possible maximum penalty of ten years in prison and/or a $50,000  fine on each count of theft."

Anastasia Burton:

In April 2008, Penfield hurt his knee while working at his parents business, Polson Paint and Glass. According to the Attorney General's office he subsequently received  "$777.86 in bi-weekly temporary total disability benefits from Montana State Fund beginning one week later." During the time that Pensfield was receiving those payment it appears that he had also "established his own paint and siding company and was earning money while continuing to receive wage loss benefits."

Pensfield's sentencing is scheduled for April 11.