Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 8, 2022:
Frances Hall, the former co-owner of San Antonio-based Bill Hall Jr. Trucking, who was convicted of murdering her husband Bill Hall Jr., is now facing charges in a $9 million fraud scheme, according to the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Frances turned herself in to Bexar County, Texas, authorities last week, more than a month after a warrant was issued for her arrest.
According to TDI, its Division of Workers’ Compensation discovered that between 2009 and 2016, she allegedly provided false payroll information to Texas Mutual Insurance Company and concealed payroll reports to get lower insurance premiums for the Halls’ gravel hauling business.
The scheme allowed the company and its owners to avoid more than $9 million in premium payments, TDI alleged.
“The Texas workers’ compensation system is funded through premiums that employers pay,” said Travis County prosecutor Jessica Bergeman. “The system relies on the integrity of all who participate to ensure that workers’ compensation is viable and able to protect injured workers."
If Hall is convicted, she could face up to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
