Upstate N.Y. Auto Parts Couple Charged in Workers’ Comp Fraud

The New York State Insurance Fund has reported the arrest of a husband and wife in connection with an alleged workers’ compensation premium fraud scheme in upstate Jefferson County, New York.

Gordon Dobbins, 73, and his wife, 66-year-old Kathryn Dobbins, both of Rt. 11, Adams, New York, face grand larceny charges in connection with a scheme to defraud NYSIF by under-reporting their payroll amounts to avoid paying the proper workers’ compensation insurance premiums, according to NYSIF CEO/Executive Director David P. Wehner.

NYSIF said the pair was arrested May 10 by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s office.

According to officials, the Dobbins own and operate Dobbins Auto Parts, Inc., in Adams, New York. They allegedly provided false information on the application they filed with NYSIF to avoid paying approximately $4,000 in premium by under-reporting the number of workers they employ.

Indictments and criminal complaints are accusations only. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Source: NYSIF