Colorado AG Suthers Announces Indictment Of Internationally Known Bowhunting Expert In Workers’ Compensation Scam

06/12/2007 -- (DENVER) – Colorado Attorney General John W. Suthers, in conjunction with Colorado Department of Labor and Employment executive director Donald J. Mares, today announced the indictment of David F. Holt (DOB 4/12/47), of Lakewood, on suspicion of workers’ compensation and disability fraud.

The indictment, handed down by the Statewide Grand Jury on June 8, alleges that Holt fraudulently collected at least $667,000 over an 18-year period. He has been indicted on nine counts of forgery, two counts of theft, and one count of false statement. If convicted on all charges, Holt faces a maximum prison term of 54 years and fines up to $2.5 million.

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“Workers’ compensation is an important tool to protect the health and well-being of employees in Colorado,” commented Attorney General Suthers. “It is imperative we ensure the integrity of the system by catching those who commit fraud and prosecuting them to the full extent of the law.”

A former Denver police officer, Holt claimed to suffer dementia resulting from a spinal injury incurred while running an obstacle course in 1986. According to the indictment, Holt led bowhunting expeditions to Africa and elsewhere while collecting disability and medical benefits in excess of $400,000, and more than $267,000 in occupational disability benefits.

While receiving state compensation for “permanent and total disability,” Holt authored two books; 1988’s Balanced Bowhunting, and 2004’s Balanced Bowhunting II. The indictment alleges that Holt wrote for several magazines, acted as a consultant for archery-related businesses, did endorsements, made video promotions, and traveled extensively while receiving medical benefits. In 1999, the defendant founded “Dave Holt’s Africa” to chaperone interested hunters across the Atlantic, officially filing the trade name in January, 2005. According to the indictment, Holt’s former girlfriends claim he was in no way disabled during this period.

The City and County of Denver and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment began investigating Holt in October of 2004. In late 2005, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office became involved at the request of CDLE. Holt is believed to be currently in Africa, and remains at large. Bond has been set at one million dollars.

The case will be filed in Denver District Court and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office. It should be noted, any indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty.

Source: Colorado Attorney General