Former Texas Workers’ Comp Claims Chief Admits Stealing $500,000

The former workers’ compensation claims chief for the Texas Association of School Boards admits to stealing more than $500,000 from the group’s insurance fund.

Federal prosecutors say Herman G. Wilks pleaded guilty Wednesday in Austin to 10 mail fraud counts. He admitted stealing the money from the association’s risk management fund. That fund provides coverage for member school board unemployment and workers’ compensation claims, along with auto, liability and property claims.

Wilks could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for each of the 10 counts. No sentencing date has been set, but Wilks remains free on bond until then.