Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the suspect is from Crowley, not Lafayette, as reported by the Attorney General’s office. We regret the error.

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — A Crowley man has been arrested after allegedly faking injury to collect over $70,000 in workers compensation, authorities said.

Harold Breaux, 54, of Crowley, is charged with misrepresentations concerning benefit payments.

The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation said it received a criminal referral of allegations of worker’s compensation fraud from a Lafayette area law firm.

Investigators said Breaux worked as a truck driver and crane operator who was involved in a workplace accident in 2014. Breaux allegedly claimed that his condition prevented him from working, and told medical examiners that he could not lift anything heavier than a 44-ounce Dr. Pepper and a sixteen-pack of water. From February 2021 to June 2023, Breaux continued to claim he was unable to work due to his condition.

Investigators said video footage shows Breaux doing construction work, operating lawn mowers and tractors and climbing under houses while he collected benefit payments in the amount of $72,932.22.

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant on Sept. 3, Breaux surrendered himself at the Lafayette Parish jail, where he was booked on $25,000 bond, officials said.

If convicted, Breaux faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The investigation is ongoing, authorities said.

Latest news