Calif. Man Pleads Guilty on Two Counts, Workers’ Comp Fraud

John Arcurio, 49, of Fillmore, plead guilty June 22, to two felony counts of workers’ compensation fraud and insurance fraud. Arcurio was arrested in Kern County and transferred to the County of Ventura Superior Court on April 29, 2005 following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Branch of the California Department of Insurance.

Arcurio was employed by the Ventura County Community College District, Moorpark College, as an Athletic Field Specialist in March 2003 when he claimed an injury to his right knee. While undergoing treatment, and collecting disability benefits while on leave from the college, Arcurio acquired another job as a landscape supervisor at Mariposa Horticultural. Arcurio never informed his claims examiner at Keenan & Associates or his doctor about his subsequent employment and lied several times about his employment when questioned by investigators. During May and July 2003, Arcurio was receiving benefits and income from his landscaping job.

Arcurio was prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney and was jointly investigated by the California Department of Insurance Fraud Division, and Keenan & Associates, the largest privately held insurance broker and consulting firm in the state.

Sentencing will take place on Aug. 24, 2005 in Division 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court where Arcurio could be ordered to pay full restitution, and may receive up to the maximum possible sentence of six years in prison for the two convictions.