Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater announced the arrest of five individuals on grand theft and insurance fraud charges for their involvement in an alleged staged accident.
Officials said the alleged scam resulted in fraudulent Personal Injury Protection (PIP) billings totaling nearly $40,000.
The Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud said its investigators learned that soon after participating in a July 2012 staged accident as vehicle passengers, the defendants sought medical treatment at several South Florida clinics for injuries that did not exist. This led the clinics to file fraudulent claims against three insurance companies: GEICO, Ocean Harbor and Gainsco.
Those who were arrested include Alfredo Romero, Hollywood; Alice Martinez, Pembroke Pines; Jose Rodas, Fort Lauderdale; Whitney Lopez, Fort Lauderdale and Mirna Madrid, Fort Lauderdale, according to the CFO’s announcement.
Officials said that Romero is a repeat PIP offender who was arrested in July 2014 for his role in another Broward County staged accident.
A sixth individual, Mario Ruiz of Fort Lauderdale, is currently wanted in connection with this crime.
The cases will be prosecuted by the Broward State Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information regarding Mario Ruiz’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Division of Insurance Fraud or the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Citizens who provide tips can remain anonymous. The Department of Financial Services to date has awarded almost $349,000 to nearly 60 citizens as part of its Anti-Fraud Reward Program. The program rewards individuals up to $25,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest and conviction in an insurance fraud scheme.
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