Calif. Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud

Llorente SIU, a Contract SIU service provider, reported the investigation and conviction of Jose Luis Garcia for fraudulent workers' compensation claims.

Garcia, a 43-year-old male from Inglewood, California, was sentenced on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles Superior Court to three years in state prison for insurance fraud and was ordered to pay a total of $82,500 in restitution to three major insurance carriers.

Alleging that he was unable to work because of back injuries sustained with three different employers, Garcia misrepresented his condition to treating physicians. While under oath at his deposition, he testified that he had not been gainfully employed between January and October 2006 due to his back pain.

However, Llorente SIU specialists developed evidence that confirmed not only had Garcia been working, but also that he had earned at least $35,700 during the period of his temporary disability.

Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ratliff charged Garcia in a 21-count felony indictment. Choosing a court trial, Garcia was convicted on Aug. 22, 2008, and remanded for sentencing.