Postal worker must repay injury benefits

SEATTLE – The U.S. attorney’s office in Seattle says a former Tukwila, Wash., man has been ordered to repay more than $16,000 for falsely claiming injured worker benefits.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Harpreet Singh Minhas is a former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier who filed for benefits in September 2008, saying he was injured when he tripped and fell. About a year later, an independent medical evaluator said he could return to light work, but Minhas refused.

In January 2010, Minhas submitted additional paperwork to continue his benefits.

Prosecutors say that on Jan. 18, 2010, Minhas had another doctor’s evaluation and said he would not be working until after he had surgery.

Then he limped to his car, drove more than 180 miles to Newberg, Ore., and worked the night shift at a convenience store. Minhas was seen working at the store for the next 12 days.