By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Chehalis woman who operated halfway houses in Lewis County and was arrested earlier this year for alleged prescription drug dealing is now facing new criminal charges for allegedly receiving workers compensation benefits and working at the same time.
Judy Chafin-Williams, 61, collected more than $90,000 since the autumn of 2006 following an on-the-job injury while she was a caregiver at Tiffin House in Centralia, according to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
According to charging documents, she submitted dozens of claims stating she could not work because of the injury. However, Chafin-Williams was working when she operated the House of the Rising Son and other homes for released prisoners and homeless persons, according to L and I.
Chafin-Williams received notice of the new charges on Thursday when she appeared in Lewis County Superior Court in connection with her ongoing case. She was charged with 30 counts of forgery and one count of first-degree theft.
The charges result from an investigation conducted by Labor and Industries.
Last year, the city of Chehalis and Lewis County began filing zoning and health code complaints against her facilities and none are believed to be currently in operation.
She remains free while the new case is pending.