King City man sentenced for workers’ compensation fraud

A 64-year-old King City man has been sentenced to 180 days in jail and more than seven years of probation for fraudulently obtaining workers’ compensation and disability benefits.

Jorge Silva Silva pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits, one count of making a false or fraudulent statement to obtain disability benefits, and one count of use of false documents.

Silva was employed with a local ranch in King City as an irrigation foreman but was fire in March 2012 when he was unable to renew his driver’s license – which was required for the position.

A month after his termination the defendant alleged he sustained multiple injuries to his left ankle, left knee, left leg, neck, back and right wrist. Silva claimed the injury was cumulative as well as specific occurring between the time frame of January, 1992 and March 2012. He later testified under oath and denied working since his termination of employment.

He was captured on undercover surveillance footage working at another local farm at the time, while also collecting state disability benefits using a social security number that wasn’t his.

Silva also was ordered to pay a total restitution of $73,000.33.