Tuesday, June 3, 2008

California Woman Rings Up Work Comp Fraud Case

Ventura County District Attorney Gregory Totten announced that Alexandra Eisele (DOB 10/28/65) of Port Hueneme was found guilty of five felony counts of workers' compensation fraud following a two-week jury trial.

The case against Eisele was filed in April 2006 after a joint investigation conducted by the Department of Insurance, Fraud Division and the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Bureau of Investigation.

On Dec. 8, 2003, Eisele filed a workers' comp claim alleging a work injury from typing and cradling her phone between her head and neck. Eisele's primary treating physician kept her off work based on her complaints that she was in so much pain that she could not work. She then began receiving workers' comp benefits in the form of tax free bi-weekly checks for $820.

While Eisele was receiving benefits, her workers' comp insurance carrier learned she had reportedly opened a clothing boutique store and was working. Video surveillance reportedly showed her working at her boutique store for up to seven hours a day. Eisele's primary treating physician was shown the video of Eisele and realized he had been duped.

Eisele's sentencing is set for July 9, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 13 before Judge Allan Steele. She is facing up to five years and eight months in state prison.

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