The County District Attorney’s office reports that a Marina man pleaded no contest to workers’ compensation fraud in Monterey County Superior Court .

Sven Hoffman, 56, was charged with one felony count of making a false statement for the purpose of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits and one felony count of knowingly failing to disclose an event that affected his right to an insurance benefit. He will be sentenced by Judge Carrie M. Panetta on Sept. 22.

Hoffman was a prep cook at a local corporation, and on June 13, 2013, he claimed that his right wrist was injured from kneading dough. He later added his left wrist to the injury report and received medical treatment as well as total temporary disability payments. He repeatedly indicated he could not return to work as he continued to receive medical treatment and financial benefits.

An investigation showed that during this time, Hoffman failed to disclose he had been working and engaged in various activities, including cooking for a private party, working as a consulting chef at a local restaurant, providing a homemade pizza demonstration and assembling office furniture. Surveillance showed he was also very active repairing a long section of a private fence and working out strenuously at a local gym.

Both of the felony charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a substantial fine. Also, in insurance fraud cases, state law allows restitution to be ordered and can include expenses like attorney’s fees and investigation costs. The employer has reported a loss of $36,256.83.