Stretching More than Muscles

Investigators with the CDI Investigations Branch have filed charges against Sue Whisenhunt of Camino for insurance fraud, grand theft and perjury. If convicted, the 49-year-old woman could face up to five years in state prison and/or a maximum fine of $50,000.

According to investigators, in May 1998, while Whisenhunt was working as a vocational rehabilitation specialist for Human Performance and Fitness in Cameron Park, Calif., she reported she had strained her left hip getting up out of her chair. In January 2000, the CDI received a suspected fraudulent claim referral from Unigard Insurance Company in Sacramento. According to Unigard, Whisenhunt knowingly made false and fraudulent statements to treating physicians and insurance representatives in an effort to increase disability benefits.

While Whisenhunt received benefits, Unigard obtained a video of her doing activities that were inconsistent with her statements. Furthermore, the investigation revealed she exaggerated her subjective complaints and misrepresented the extent of her injuries to collect disability benefits. To date, more than $32,000 has been paid on Whisenhunt’s claim.