California School District Aide Busted for Felony Workers’ Comp Fraud

An employee of a Southern California school district has been arrested on charges of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly racking up $33,000 in treatments and disability payments.

Juanita Denise Schmittle, 50, of Baldwin Park, Calif., was arrested by California Department of Insurance detectives on two counts of workers’ comp fraud after allegedly misrepresenting her injuries and mental health conditions suffered while working as an instructional aide for the Baldwin Park Unified School District.

Schmittle’s misrepresentations resulted in $33,000 in unnecessary treatment costs and unearned disability payments over the course of three years, according to the CDI.

Schmittle allegedly suffered injuries to her right wrist, left knee and left hip after slipping and falling onto a wet floor while at work. Schmittle claimed these injuries became progressively more severe and she developed psychological problems.

The CDI launched an investigation after Schmittle’s employer reported suspected fraud. The investigation reportedly revealed Schmittle’s treating physician referred her to a psychologist after she claimed she was depressed from not being able to return to work. After being evaluated by a psychologist it was apparent that Schmittle exaggerated her symptoms and intentionally misled others while malingering, according to the CDI.

“Workers’ compensation fraud is a costly crime that we all pay for,” Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement. “Insurers pass along the cost of their losses to businesses through higher insurance premiums and those costs are passed onto to consumers through higher prices for goods and services. Ultimately, there is a ripple effect on our economy.”

Schmittle faces up to five years in county jail if convicted. Bail is set at $30,000. The LA County District Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case.

Topics California Fraud Workers' Compensation Education