A former Cedar City police officer is accused of defrauding the worker’s compensation insurance, according to recently-filed charges.
Jason Steven Thomas, 41, was charged earlier this month in 5th District Court with third-degree felony fraudulently obtaining workers’ compensation insurance, as well as misdemeanor attempted theft by deception.
Court records allege that the crimes took place in October 2013 — just three months after Thomas was assaulted by a man he had arrested.
In July 2013, Thomas suffered contusions, abrasions and a moderate concussion after a scuffle with a man from whom he had just removed handcuffs, according to the St. George News.
Nearly 10 years ago, Thomas was shot by a man toting a sawed-off shotgun, though those injuries were mitigated by the bullet-proof vest Thomas was wearing.
No other details about how Thomas allegedly defrauded the worker’s compensation program were revealed in court records. A Sept. 6 telephone conference is set in the case, after a Cedar City judge recused himself from during an Aug. 9 hearing.
Cedar City officials confirmed in a brief statement that Thomas’ employment ended on June 30. The statement said officials are aware of the criminal allegations, but declined further comment.
