COLUMBUS, Ohio - Undercover video helped state investigators convict a car mechanic from McDonald of workers' compensation fraud.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation has released surveillance images of Michael Buckner working on cars while he was receiving workers' comp.

The BWC received a tip that Buckner reported to his workers' comp medical appointments with heavily calloused hands and dirt under his fingernails, and that he may have been working while receiving temporary total disability benefits. Claimants are not permitted to work while receiving that type of benefit.

Using financial records, surveillance operations, undercover operations, field interviews and Buckner's own testimony, investigators found that Buckner was working at his family's automotive repair business while receiving temporary total disability benefits.

Buckner pleaded guilty last November to one count of workers' compensation fraud, a fifth-degree felony.

He was sentenced Jan. 8 in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to 11 months of incarceration, which was suspended for three years of probation.

Buckner was also ordered to find full-time employment and to repay $21,642.60 in restitution.

Wages will be garnished from his paychecks until the restitution is paid in full.