UPDATE: A Renton bus driver faces serious legal repercussions after being charged with felony theft for allegedly defrauding the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) while working multiple jobs. Clifford Wayne Dumas, 67, reportedly collected over $50,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while falsely claiming he was too injured to work.
The allegations surfaced following an L&I investigation that uncovered Dumas’s employment with both King County Metro and WeDriveU Seattle during the time he was receiving benefits. Official statements reveal he earned approximately $33,000 from each company between April 2023 and March 2024.
Dumas had filed a claim in April 2023 after injuring his shoulders and lower back. He claimed to be unable to perform his job, reporting a lack of capability to work on multiple occasions. However, L&I’s investigation contradicted his claims, indicating he signed documents attesting to his inability to work while actively employed elsewhere.
“Our investigation showed Mr. Dumas intentionally abused the workers’ compensation system,” stated Randy Littlefield, acting assistant director of L&I’s customer service, compliance, and public safety division. “The money and benefits he is accused of fraudulently taking could have gone to help workers who were truly injured, and that’s the real damage here.”
Dumas’s medical evaluation suggested that his initial diagnosis should have required only six weeks of treatment, further complicating his defense. On January 5, 2024, he pleaded not guilty to a single count of first-degree theft in King County Superior Court. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including prison time and fines up to $20,000.
This developing story highlights the critical issues surrounding workers’ compensation fraud and its impact on genuine claimants. As authorities continue to investigate, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exploiting systems designed to support injured workers.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
