19 Suspects Named in Georgia Fraud Ring

Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said arrest warrants have been issued on 19 suspects in an insurance fraud ring that allegedly collected $995,641.75 in misappropriated claims from a Japanese insurance company.

The suspected ringleader, Ken Dewberry, 42, of Lawrenceville, worked for Sompo Japan Insurance Company of America at the time the theft occurred -- March 1, 2001 to March 30, 2004. He has been charged with 30 counts of theft by taking, as well as charges under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

“Someone at the Sompo Atlanta office was changing the names and addresses of vendors and then requesting and distributing medical claim checks to people that had not performed any services on the claimants,” Oxendine said. “Our investigation has led us to suspect Ken Dewberry.”

A total of 473 checks were issued to 21 different individuals. Oxendine said the checks were cashed by the individuals, who typically kept some money for themselves and then passed the rest to Dewberry. Dewberry’s financial records during the time of loss show approximately $154,000 in unexplained deposits into his checking and savings accounts. Also, personal connections can reportedly be drawn between Dewberry and nearly all of the check recipients, many of whom he knew from previously living in New York.

A total of 19 suspects will be charged under the RICO Act in connection with the case, and other charges are possible, Oxendine said.

Besides Dewberry, the suspects include: Raymond Santana, 43, address unknown; Henry Rolle, 43, Atlanta; Terence Hover, 35, Decatur; Dujuan R. Free, 27, Atlanta; Frederick Brown, 28, Decatur; Henry Free, 43, Forest Park; Marcus Battle, 27, Marietta; Katie Winborn, 28, College Park; Mario Starks, 29, College Park; Victor Devalia, 31, Atlanta; Christopher A. Hinds, 34, Marietta; Dana Hunter, 38, Lawrenceville; Jeffrey L. Thompson, 39, Lithonia; Eric Charles Ridenhour, 44, Atlanta; Curtis Broussard, 48, Austell; Frederick Isaac, 39, Stone Mountain; Sandra Lamore, 36, address unknown; and Lawrence Scott, Duluth.