A recent appearance on cable television gave a California interior designer national exposure to millions of people. Unfortunately, one of those viewers was with the insurer handling his disability claim.

Ronald E. Hunt, 56, of Sunland, Calif., pleaded guilty to individual felony counts of insurance fraud and state income tax fraud, according to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Hunt was ordered to pay $151,000 in restitution to his private insurer and $31,000 to FTB for unpaid taxes, penalties, interest and the cost of the investigation.

He must also serve 200 hours of community service and 60 months of probation.

Citing court documents, the FTB said that Hunt continued to work as an interior designer from 2003 to 2006, including an appearance on a Home & Garden Television (HGTV) home improvement show during the time he claimed to be disabled.

An employee with his insurance company saw the show and notified the California Department of Insurance. An investigation by the department confirmed that Hunt intentionally and knowingly concealed his secondary employment from his insurer by falsifying written statements and deceiving a company field representative, the FTB said.

During the time Hunt claimed to be disabled, the FTB said he collected more than $400,500 in income as an interior designer while also collecting $147,600 in disability benefits. He failed to report this income on his state tax returns as well for 2003 through 2006.