A Yucaipa couple is being charged with Workers’ Compensation fraud, according to the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
http://liarcatchers.com/workers_compensation_fraud.html
The Workers’ Compensation Fraud Prosecution Unit initiated an investigation in July after an anonymous tip was made involving allegations of possible insurance fraud involving Lois Ventura, 51, of Yucaipa.
The investigation revealed that Ventura had sustained an injury on Aug. 9, 2010, while employed as a manager at Big Cheese Pizza and received Workers’ Compensation benefits as a result of her claim.
While receiving the benefits, Ventura became the co-owner of Apple Dumplin’s in Oak Glen along with Keith McBride, 44 also of Yucaipa.
Despite operating the new business, Ventura reportedly continued to receive cash and medical benefits through the Workers’ Compensation program.
Investigators report that McBride was not only the business co-owner with Ventura, but also her boyfriend.
During an initial interview with McBride, he reportedly misrepresented the facts of the case by stating he was the sole owner of the business and had no knowledge of the Workers’ Compensation benefits Ventura was receiving.
According to investigators, “As evidence revealed that the allegations of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud were substantiated, charges were sought against both Lois Ventura and Keith McBride for violation of Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud and Conspiracy to commit a crime, as well as failing to obtain Workers’ Compensation Insurance for the new business.”
Both Ventura and McBride pled “not-guilty” to all counts at their arraignment on Nov. 3. Each was released on their own recognizance are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 10, 2012.
