Former letter carrier sentenced

Former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Philip A. Rizk was sentenced to two years of probation, fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $27,798 in restitution for working under-the-table at a bingo hall while receiving worker’s compensation, law enforcement officials said.

Rizk, of Middleburgh Heights, pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of making false statements to obtain federal compensation.

U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Monica Weyler stated: “Workers compensation benefits costs the Postal Service over $1 billion per year. The majority of that money is paid to injured workers that legitimately deserve it. However, a small number of individuals choose to not follow the rules and commit fraud against the system, as in this case. U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General special agents vigorously investigate allegations of workers compensation fraud, and seek prosecution and termination of benefits for individuals that do not merit compensation. To report allegations of postal employees committing workers compensation fraud, contact the USPS OIG at www.uspsoig.gov or 888-USPS-OIG.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Darden following an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.