AMI News

Another One for the Good Guys
After fleeing the Salinas area, approximately 1 ½ years ago, and avoiding facing charges of workers’ compensation fraud, former Dole employee Gerardo Venegas Duran was tracked down and arrested at his current residence in Vacaville, California on March 8, 2007.

Through coordinated efforts with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Dole’s Special Investigation Unit (AMI Investigations) was able to assist in facilitating the arrest and capture of this fugitive, who has since been extradited to Monterey County Jail to face the criminal charges he tried to avoid.

AMI Investigations is currently coordinating efforts with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office to facilitate the arrest of several other fugitives who also thought they could escape workers’ compensation fraud charges.

–AMI Newsletter

Another One Bites the Dust
Another employee, turned fugitive, is caught and will now have to face his pending criminal charges for workers’ compensation fraud.

On Monday, March 26, 2007, Dole’s Special Investigation Unit (AMI Investigations) again assisted in facilitating the arrest of a former Dole employee, Jesus Rodriguez, who had fled the Salinas area and avoided criminal charges of insurance fraud that were filed against him by the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

–AMI Newsletter

San Vincente Labor Employee Convicted of Workers’ Compensation Fraud
On December 13, 2006, Pacific Captive Insurance Companies Special Investigation Unit (AMI Investigations) assisted in facilitating the arrest of San Vincente Labor employee Saul Martinez.

Salinas, CA—San Vincente Labor employee Saul Martinez, 46, pled “no contest” to one count of Workers’ Compensation fraud on February 9, 2007 in Salinas Superior Court according to James Strachan, president of Pacific Captive Insurance Company. Sentencing is scheduled for March 22.

Martinez potentially faces jail time, as well as three years of felony probation and possible restitution to the employer of $17,000.00. Additionally, because Martinez falsely informed San Vincente Labor at the time of hire that he had legal residency status, he may be subject to a federal prison sentence and deportation. Two other employees of companies insured through PCIC have entered no contest pleas in connection with fraudulent claims and are awaiting sentencing and restitution orders. Additionally, two other individuals charged with felony Workers’ Compensation fraud are believed to have fled the country to avoid criminal prosecution.

–AMI Newsletter

Man Sentenced in Insurance Fraud, May be Deported
San Vincente Labor employee Saul Martinez, 46, was sentenced March 22 to 210 days in jail and three years of federal probation and ordered to pay more than $23,000 restitution to his employer, Pacific Captive Insurance Co., said Friday.

Martinez pleaded no contest to Workers’ Compensation fraud on Feb. 9 in Monterey County Superior Court, said James Strachan, president of PCIC.

Because Martinez also had falsely informed San Vincente Labor at the time of hire that he had legal residency status, he may be subject to a federal prison sentence and deportation.

–Salinas Californian