Waynesboro Officer Accused of Stealing Workers’ Comp Checks

On September 7, Waynesboro police officer Derek Matthew Lange, 31, was arrested on a theft charge claiming he stole more than $22,000 in workers’ compensation benefit checks.

Lange, who has been a Waynesboro officer since June 2005, injured his hand, wrist, knee and face during a foot pursuit in August 2009. After undergoing surgery from a hand specialist, he began receiving workers’ compensation benefits when his surgeon advised that he needed time off work to recuperate.

Attorney General Tom Corbett stated that Lange would continue to receive his regular salary provided he sign over his workers’ compensation checks to the borough. From Sep. 7, 2009 to May 3, 2010, Lange received 18 checks, only 3 of which he signed over. The rest he deposited into his bank account.

Lange was charged with one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of funds received. Magisterial District Judge Kelly Rock arraigned and released him on $15,000 bail.

About Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C.

If you have been injured in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to Pennsylvania workers’ comp benefits. Contact an experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation attorney at Calhoon and Kaminsky P.C., at 717-695-4722 for more information.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of our book, 7 Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Case.