Former Local Bus Driver Convicted of Workers' Comp Fraud

A Riverside Transit Agency coach operator recently pleaded guilty to insurance fraud, the agency announced Monday.

George Bateman, 46, left the RTA in February 2012 after he complained of shoulder, neck and back pain. The agency later granted him temporary total disability benefits.

The DA's office investigated the Corona man last May, after receiving allegations of possible insurance fraud.

During the investigation, which combined the efforts of both RTA and the DA’s office, Bateman was observed operating his own limousine service, and he was videotaped driving, handling customer luggage, lifting bags of ice, tire rims and cases of water without any sign of restriction.

Employees who are on TTD are required to report any outside income. Bateman did not report any income from his limousine business.

Bateman pleaded guilty on March 7 and will be sentenced to 180 days in the county jail and fined $5,000. He also must pay restitution, an amount to be determined when he is sentenced on May 30.

The Riverside Transit Agency provides public transportation for Western Riverside County including Temecula, Murrieta and Lake Elsinore. RTA’s service area spans 2,500 square miles, the second largest in the nation.