Tumwater – A Spokane restaurant owner faces a felony theft charge alleging she defrauded the state of nearly $250,000 in workers' compensation benefits over eight years while claiming she could not work.

In reality, a Department of Labor & Industries investigation found Wanitta Racicot, 69, was cooking, busing tables and performing other duties at a restaurant that she co-owns.

The Attorney General's Office recently charged Racicot, of Spokane Valley, with one count of first-degree theft in Spokane County Superior Court. Racicot is scheduled to enter her plea to the charge on Sept. 4.

According to court documents, Racicot filed for workers' compensation with L&I in 2001, claiming she injured both of her arms while working at a restaurant. After opening her claim, she regularly signed official documents stating she was not employed and was unable to work due to her injury. Continue reading...