INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - A former employee of the Independence School District has been charged after claims that she had been injured when a student tripped her were found to be false.

Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Friday, March 7, indicate that Barbara J. Martin, 70, of Sugar Creek, has been accused of workers compensation fraud against a local school district.

A criminal complaint filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office revealed that on Sept. 26, 2018, Martin filed a workers’ compensation claim that was later found to be false. She claimed she had been injured while working for the Independence School District on Sept. 28, 2017.

ALSO READ: Charges filed against registered sex offender after attempt to kidnap child

According to the complaint, Martin claimed she was injured when she was tripped by a student during a bus evacuation drill. However, a recording of the incident revealed that no injury actually occurred.

As a result, Martin has been charged with four counts of violations regarding claims for workers’ compensation benefits and a single count of knowingly presenting a false workers’ compensation claim.

If convicted, state law requires Martin to face up to 8 years behind bars and to pay up to $12,000. An arraignment has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 27.

No further information has been released.

Copyright 2025 KCTV. All rights reserved.

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxPRVRTZ2owbVZIVGFtS0cyNDFo...