Carol-Lisa Gutman, Workers’ Comp Scam, Delaware 2026

Grimy Times Exclusive: A jury has delivered a guilty verdict in a 15-year workers’ compensation fraud scheme that cheated the federal government out of nearly half a million dollars.

A 62-year-old Delmar woman, Carol-Lisa Gutman, was convicted of conducting the massive scam, which earned her over $429,000 in federal disability benefits. The scheme spanned 15 years, from 2001 to 2016.

According to prosecutors, Gutman claimed to have injured her back while working for the United States Postal Service in 1987. She regularly reported to her doctors that she was completely disabled and unable to perform household tasks or even sit for extended periods.

However, a series of video recordings from 2011, 2012, and 2013 revealed a different story. The footage showed Gutman performing physically demanding tasks, including raking leaves, mowing the lawn, and carrying heavy yard waste.

The evidence presented at trial demonstrated that Gutman lied about her condition to receive federal workers’ compensation benefits. She will be sentenced in Syracuse on October 26, 2016, and faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Assistant United States Attorney Michael F. Perry prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General.

The verdict marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to combat workers’ compensation fraud. It serves as a reminder that those who cheat the system will be held accountable for their actions.

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