Palmdale Man Convicted of Workers’ Comp Fraud

Jesus Evaristo Gonzalez, 39, plead guilty to workers’ compensation insurance fraud on Dec. 26, 2000. A sentencing hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court will be held in February 2001; Gonzalez could face up to five years in state prison.

According to investigators, Gonzalez threatened his employer, Roto Rooter Plumbing Service, with a false workers’ compensation claim should he be terminated. He was subsequently terminated and held true to his threat with filing a fraudulent claim.

The investigation revealed Gonzalez had made false statements to his employer, his physician, and the insurance examiner about the nature and extent of his alleged injuries. Additionally, it was revealed Gonzalez made false statements about his injuries in a sworn deposition.