Attorney General's News Release

November 3, 1994

Nixon files criminal charges against lawyer in workers’ compensation case

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon filed charges Oct. 31 in St. Louis City Circuit Court against a former associate of Morris Kessler for allegedly violating Missouri workers’ compensation laws. Kessler received a 36-month sentence for his participation in defrauding the Second Injury Fund.

In the criminal complaint, Nixon accused St. Louis attorney Carla McBride of committing workers’ compensation fraud by altering a statement regarding her client’s medical condition on a compensation agreement reached with her client’s employer. McBride allegedly stood to gain 25 percent of any recovery gained by her client.

“Actions of this nature are abuses of taxpayers’ trust,” Nixon said. “Altering official court documents is a serious violation of the responsibility that lawyers undertake in their profession.”

This case was investigated by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Fraud and Non-compliance Unit, which turned its information over to the Attorney General’s Office.

McBride is charged with two counts of workers’ compensation fraud. Each count is a class A misdemeanor which carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment and a minimum $10,000 fine upon conviction. The charges against McBride are only allegations and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818