Monticello Man Found Guilty of Workers’ Comp Fraud

A trial jury convicted a Monticello man of theft of more than $10,000 in workers' compensation benefits in an Aroostook County courtroom on Friday.

Officials say 63-year-old Stephen Tucker, Sr. received over $45,000 in benefits from the Maine Employers Mutual Insurance Company from July 2009 through February 2012 by claiming that he could not work due to an injury to his hand sustained in 2006 while working at Brewer's Service Station in Mars Hill. In fact, in January, 2009, Tucker opened his own small engine repair business, Littleton Service.

The Evidence showed that Tucker was performing many physical tasks in connection with his business that were inconsistent with his testimony before the Workers' Compensation Board.

Class B theft is punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of $20,000. The case has been continued for sentencing at a future date.