Department of Insurance detective honored by U.S. Attorney Southern District of California for “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice”
News: 2020 Press Release
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — California Department of Insurance Detective Israel Garcia was honored by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer in the third annual “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice” awards. Detective Garcia received an award for “Investigation of the Year” for his work on a joint operation with the FBI and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, who also received awards.
“Detective Garcia’s collaboration with other agencies on this case is a testament to our department’s determination and commitment to fighting fraud and protecting consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “The Department of Insurance is honored to have one of our detectives receive this great award from the U.S. Attorney and is extremely proud to have Detective Garcia as an integral part of our law enforcement team.”
This year’s “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice” awards recognize 77 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers for their work on cases in the San Diego and Imperial counties. These awards are given to agents and officers who display initiative, creativity, and persistence to achieve justice in challenging cases.
Detective Garcia and his colleagues from the FBI and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office worked together to expose systemic corruption in the California workers’ compensation system. The case led to the conviction of 18 individuals, seven corporations, and more than $2 million in fines.
Detective Garcia has been a valuable employee at the California Department of Insurance for over 13 years.
# # #
Led by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace and safeguards all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory, oversee insurer solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud. Consumers are urged to call 1-800-927-4357 with any questions or contact us at www.insurance.ca.gov via webform or online chat. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800-927-4357. Teletypewriter (TTY), please dial 800-482-4833.
