Renton Bus Driver Charged with Felony Theft in Workers' Comp Fraud

Clifford Wayne Dumas allegedly collected over $50,000 in benefits while working other jobs

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A 67-year-old Renton bus driver has been charged with felony theft after he allegedly collected over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) while working multiple other jobs, including for King County Metro and WeDriveU Seattle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of workers' compensation fraud, which can divert critical funds away from truly injured workers and increase costs for employers and the state. It also raises questions about oversight and verification processes within the workers' comp system.

The details

According to investigators, Clifford Wayne Dumas filed a workers' comp claim with L&I in April 2023 after injuring his shoulders and lower back at his job driving for the transportation company Trans West. Dumas then reported being too injured to work 11 times between April 2023 and March 2024, during which he received over $50,000 in benefits. However, L&I's investigation found that Dumas was actually working other jobs, including earning around $33,000 each from King County Metro and WeDriveU Seattle, the entire time he was collecting state benefits. The doctor who initially diagnosed Dumas also found his injuries should have only required six weeks of treatment.

  • Dumas filed his workers' comp claim with L&I in April 2023.
  • Dumas reported being too injured to work 11 times between April 2023 and March 2024.
  • Dumas pleaded not guilty on January 5, 2026 in King County Superior Court.

The players

Clifford Wayne Dumas

A 67-year-old Renton bus driver who is accused of fraudulently collecting over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working other jobs.

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

The state agency that provides workers' compensation benefits and investigated Dumas' alleged fraud.

Trans West

The transportation company that employed Dumas as a bus driver.

King County Metro

One of the other employers Dumas allegedly worked for while collecting workers' comp benefits.

WeDriveU Seattle

Another employer Dumas allegedly worked for while collecting workers' comp benefits.

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What they’re saying

“Our investigation showed Mr. Dumas intentionally abused the workers' compensation system, signing documents affirming he wasn't capable of working. The money and benefits he is accused of fraudulently taking could have gone to help workers who were truly injured, and that's the real damage here.”

— Randy Littlefield, Acting Assistant Director of L&I's Customer Service, Compliance, and Public Safety Division (mynorthwest.com)

What’s next

If found guilty, Dumas could face prison time and a fine of up to $20,000.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and verification processes within the workers' compensation system to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to those who truly need them. It also underscores the importance of employers and agencies working together to identify and address abuse of the system.