Bus Driver Out On Workman's Comp For Back Injury, Runs Marathon - Arrested

[matcom]

<snip>

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- A bus driver has been charged with fraud and grand theft for allegedly completing a marathon while receiving workers' compensation for a back injury, prosecutors said.

Johnny Chavarria, 57, a driver for the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, allegedly finished the Big Sur Marathon while receiving thousands of dollars in workers' compensation funds.

Chavarria was arrested Friday following an investigation into the injury claim he filed in June 2003.

"You can't run marathons if you are not well enough to drive a Metro bus," said District Attorney Bob Lee. "It's not just wrong; it's criminal."

Chavarria began receiving payments after being rated at "temporary total disabled." He was paid until returning to work in July 2004, prosecutors said.

Chavarria could not be reached for comment on Sunday.

Chavarria was released from Santa Cruz County Jail on Friday after posting $25,000 bail. He was scheduled to appear in court later this month.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/5950280/detail.html

[kick-ass-bob]

1. jeez - it's not like you need your back to run 26 miles.

sheesh.

:bounce:

[DS1]

2. Should've taken a taxi

dumbass