Benefits February 25, 2011

‘Ax Man’ Charged with WA State Disability Fraud

February 25, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – A Washington state resident who has appeared on a History Channel reality show about logging has been charged with theft after officials alleged he accepted state permanent disability payments while still working.
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A news story in the Olympian said James Frank Smith was released on his own recognizance after a hearing before Judge Gary Tabor. The newspaper reported that state investigators learned in March 2009 that Smith was working as a logger in Florida and appearing on the “Ax Men” History Channel show while receiving monthly payments and medical benefits, court papers state.

 According to the newspaper:

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  • Since April 2007, Smith has received more than $50,000 time-loss and pension benefits after submitting two injury claims, one in 1993 and another in 1996 and also was paid for his appearances on “Ax Men” and didn’t tell L&I about the job.
  • L&I learned that Smith owns S&S Aqua Logging in Florida; it was established in April 2007.
  • Smith was featured in season two of “Ax Men,” which was filmed in October and November 2008 and aired in March 2009. He also appeared in episodes of seasons three and four of the show.
  • The Olympian said in October 1993, Smith filed a workers’ compensation claim stating that he had injured his left knee while working at Schneider Construction. He filed a secondary claim in 1996, alleging that while working for Beck Petroleum, “he injured his right leg, tibia, shoulder and back.” He was placed on pension December 16, 2010.
  • The state awarded Smith time-loss benefits totaling $21,277.13 from April 1, 2007, to December 15, 2007. It also awarded him pension benefits from December 16, 2007, to March 15, 2009, totaling $29,603.29, the newspaper said.
Administration February 25, 2011

RI Announces Pension and Investments Appointments

February 25, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Rhode Island General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo announced three new staff members in the areas of policy, operations and pensions.
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In addition, the state’s chief investment officer has been retained and the associate director of finance position was filled through an internal promotion. 

According to a news release, Melissa Malone has been appointed Assistant Director of Member Services, Employees’ Retirement System of Rhode Island. She was previously a senior associate at Taylor Duane Barton & Gilman, LLP and is admitted to practice law in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She currently serves on the Providence Public School Board. She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Law and Trinity College.   

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Kenneth E. Goodreau, Chief Investment Officer, has managed the Treasury’s investments since 2006. Patrick Marr, who was previously a fiscal manager and investment analyst for the Treasury has been named Associate Director of Finance. He is a graduate of Providence College.   

Josh Brumberger is appointed Deputy Treasurer, Policy & Financial Empowerment. Prior to joining the office, Brumberger was the chief of staff and senior advisor for Eric Dinallo’s campaign for New York State Attorney General. He also worked for the Fortress Investment Group in New York. From 2002 to 2006. He is a graduate of Northeastern University.  

Christopher T. Feisthamel is Chief Operating Officer. He was previously the principal of Dempsey & Co, a management consulting firm. Prior to founding the business in 2005, he worked at Citizens and Fidelity Investments in operational and CFO roles. He serves on the boards of Preserve Rhode Island, Leadership Rhode Island and the Providence College President’s Council, among other organizations. He is a graduate of Providence College.

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