A Connecticut woman has been arrested and charged with illegally collecting workers’ compensation benefits worth $19,082 from her employer Waterbury hospital while she was allegedly working another job as a home health aide.
The Chief State’s Attorney reported that Tashia McKenzie, of Waterbury, surrendered herself at the Rocky Hill Police Department where she was released on a $10,000 non-surety bond.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, on July 21, 2021, McKenzie reported sustaining a work-related back injury while employed as a certified nursing assistant at
St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. As a result of her injury, she received temporary partial disability payments and total temporary disability benefits.
To receive these benefits, recipients are considered to have limited work capacity and must inform their employer of any improvements in their injuries. They also are required to report any income beyond the benefits provided.
Investigators found that while she was out on workers’ compensation disability from St. Mary’s Hospital, McKenzie was employed by Hale Home Care as a home care p
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rovider, performing duties similar to those of a certified nursing assistant as well as being employed as a certified nursing assistant at Waterbury Hospital.
While receiving workers’ compensation benefits from St. Mary’s Hospital, prosecutors said McKenzie failed to disclose her other employment and her ability to resume home care/certified nursing assistance duties at St. Mary’s Hospital.
According to court documents, McKenzie received indemnity payments from St. Mary’s Hospital totaling $19,082.00, which officials contend she was not entitled to receive. Documentation showed that while receiving payments, she could have returned to full duty work capacity.
The charges are merely accusations and McKenzie is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
