Four Plead Guilty to Florida Auto Insurance Fraud

Four Florida men, including a chiropractor and a licensed massage therapist, pleaded guilty in a scheme intended to bilk millions of dollars from drivers and automobile insurance companies. According to court information, the group staged car accidents and submitted bogus insurance claims through chiropractic offices run by some of the defendants.

The accused operated the scheme between October 2006 and December 2012. During that time, members of the group recruited others to participate in staged accidents while others aided the chiropractic clinics in laundering the insurance money. Court records revealed that those who operated the clinics hired therapists and chiropractors who invoiced car insurance companies for treatments that were not required and services that were prescribed, but never rendered.

The four men, who are scheduled for sentencing in West Palm Beach, face criminal charges that may require up to 20 years in prison for each money laundering and mail fraud count. They are also required to pay restitution amounting to more than $2 million. According to federal officials, 21 clinics were involved in the scheme, and 90 people have already been charged in the crackdown, which officials called Operation Sledgehammer.

A skilled criminal defense attorney in the state of Florida may help those who face charges associated with felonies and misdemeanors. Many people are unaware of the kinds of defense available; however, a lawyer may help them understand the law and the charges they face. An attorney may research records provided by authorities and other sources in order to evaluate options to create a sound defense in an attempt to achieve the best possible result.

Source: Sun Sentinel, “Four plead guilty in staged auto accident scheme“, Wayne K. Roustan, August 09, 2013

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