A Philadelphia man has pleaded guilty in Maryland toconspiracy to commit insurance fraud after he staged a fake robbery and shothis own cousin as part of an elaborate conspiracy to help the cousin collectworkers’ compensation insurance.

46 year-old Joseph Francis Brooks, of Philadelphia, wasgiven a five-year suspended sentence and 18 months probation.

In August while working for UPS, Brooks’ cousin PierreLamont Taylor, was “robbed” by Brooks and shot in his right leg. Taylor soonfiled a workers’ compensation claim with Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Judge Michael J. Algeo said the incident “ranks as one ofthe dumbest things” he has seen anyone do.

If you have been injured in the workplace, please contactthe Raleigh workers’ compensation attorneys of Scudder & Hedrick by calling919-851-3311.