Lathrop, Calif. Woman Caught Grooming Herself

On Dec. 19, 2002, a Lathrop, Calif. woman was arrested on insurance fraud charges as a result of an investigation conducted by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Criminal Investigations Branch’s Fraud Division.

Kathryn Marie Corso, 53, was arrested at her residence and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on two felony counts of insurance fraud, one count of grand theft and one count of perjury. Bail was set at $25,000. If convicted, Corso could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case.

According to investigators, Corso filed a workers’ compensation claim with the American Protection Insurance Company for shoulder, wrist and hand injuries. Corso claimed her injuries prevented her from performing self-grooming functions. Subsequent to an investigation, Corso was videotaped performing physical activities beyond her medical restrictions.

Corso allegedly made material misrepresentations to the insurance company and medical doctors about her ability to perform various physical activities. Corso’s treating doctor and a Qualified Medical Examiner were deposed by American Protection Insurance Company after they had a chance to evaluate Corso’s true physical abilities. Both medical doctors indicated that Corso exaggerated her limitations and changed their opinions as to her disability. As a result of Corso’s material misrepresentations, American Protection Insurance Company paid $36,000 on this claim.