Two new attorneys to investigate and prosecute workers’ comp fraud

OLYMPIA – Richard (Rick) Weber and Tienney Milnor will join the Attorney General’s Office to investigate and prosecute workers compensation fraud for the Department of Labor and Industries’ Fraud Investigations Program (L&I). Weber started today. Milnor joins him May 16.

“Having dedicated, experienced attorneys prosecuting cases of fraud is key to maintaining a record of success,” said Doric Olson, manager for the L&I Fraud Investigations Program. “My team looks forward to working with Rick and Tienney as we continue our fraud-fighting efforts.”

Weber is a former District Court Judge Pro Tem, Superior Court Commissioner, and Okanogan County Prosecutor. He has prosecuted criminal cases, including a successful prosecution for the murder of one police officer and the attempted murder of another. Weber has also successfully prosecuted welfare and other fraud cases. He has a BS from California State University Northridge and a law degree from Seattle University.

Milnor served as a Seattle Assistant City Attorney from 2002 to 2010. She joined the AGO in the SHS Olympia Division, Juvenile Litigation Team. During her tenure at the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, she prosecuted cases on the General Trial Team and the Domestic Violence Unit. Milnor also served as the Community Prosecutor Liaison for the Seattle Police Department East Precinct and coordinated the Drug Market Initiative, which assisted with community and intergovernmental  communication, litigation, and collaboration to reduce drug trafficking and crime in Seattle. Milnor has a law degree and dual degrees in Humanities and Criminal Justice from Seattle University.

In 2011, L&I’s Fraud Prevention and Compliance Program assessed more than $ 30 million dollars in unpaid worker’s compensation premiums and conducted nearly 6,000 investigations into suspected fraud. The worst abusers, both employers and claimants, were referred to the Attorney General’s Office for criminal prosecution where they have enjoyed a 100% conviction rate, resulting in more than $ 1.1 million in restitution orders.

-30-

Contacts:
Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications, (360) 586-0725