Woman Aided Clients in Fraud Scheme

The CDI’s Criminal Investigations Branch announced the arrest of Margaret Lawanda Cook, 51, of El Sobrante, Calif. on eight counts of insurance fraud stemming from false workers’ comp and automobile claims.

Cook established A&I Paralegal on Sept. 24, 1998 in San Pablo, Calif. where she allegedly assisted injured clients in their settlement claims against insurance companies. Cook purportedly negotiated her client’s settlement with various insurance companies then kept the
settlement check, leaving accident victims with little or no compensation for their injuries. Additionally, Cook’s paralegal business was co-located with an Accident and Injury Clinic, a chiropractic business, whereby according to public records, Cook is listed as the owner and manager. Cook allegedly took this opportunity to bill the insurance companies for services not rendered by fabricating treatments on patients prior to and after the patient’s began and
discontinued their treatment.

Investigators found evidence indicating Cook victimized legitimately injured people and automobile and workers’ comp insurance companies out of an estimated $500,000.

Topics Fraud