No workers’ comp lands shop owner in jail

A Coeur d’Alene businessman will serve five days in jail for operating his company without providing workers’ compensation insurance for his employees.

Joe Roope’s Castaway Fly Shop must also remain closed until the owner, Joe Roope Jr., provides the insurance, according to a recent ruling in Idaho’s 1st District Court.

Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in Idaho for employers with one or more workers. The insurance protects employees in the event of work-related injuries.

The Idaho Industrial Commission obtained a judgment and injunction against Roope in 2011 after his workers’ compensation insurance policy lapsed for eight months. State officials said that Roope had previous lapses in coverage in 2003 and 2007.