California Couple Nabbed for Insurance Fraud

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced the arrests of a husband and wife pair, in connection with insurance fraud charges. Joanne Fawcett, 61 and Steven Fawcett, 62, both of Sacramento, were arrested in Sacramento.

In April 2007, Joanne Fawcett reportedly claimed she was hit by a vehicle as she was walking in a parking lot, and injured her knee. Fawcett then alleged that as a result of her injury, she could not walk up stairs or work. Mr. Fawcett reportedly confirmed his wife's claims in an interview with insurance company investigators.

The CDI investigation revealed that Mrs. Fawcett was able to walk up stairs and was employed cleaning rental properties during the time period she claimed to be unable to do so. Additionally, surveillance video obtained during the investigation reportedly revealed that both Joanne and Steven Fawcett worked for a property management company. The video also shows Mrs. Fawcett walking normally and moving a refrigerator into a rental property.

The Department of Insurance investigation revealed that Joanne Fawcett has filed 24 injury claims since the mid-1990s, costing insurance companies in excess of $450,000.

If convicted, the couple could each face up to five years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines.