East Bay woman pleads guilty to workers’ compensation
News: 2020 Press Release
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Marlene Cavalcanti, 40, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of insurance fraud and identity theft after falsifying documents to receive an additional $10,590 on her workers’ compensation claim.
Cavalcanti, employed as an executive assistant, reportedly fell at work and sustained injuries. As a result of her subsequent workers’ compensation claim, Cavalcanti received more than $42,000 in total temporary disability payments in addition to her medical treatment. An investigation by the Department of Insurance revealed after being placed on disability, Cavalcanti ceased medical treatment and began working for another company. During this time, she submitted multiple fictitious doctors reports in an attempt to continue to receive disability payments from the workers’ compensation insurance company. When confronted by detectives, Cavalcanti ultimately admitted to the fraudulent documents and forged doctors’ signatures.
“Every dollar paid on a fraudulent insurance claim increases the cost to California consumers who are forced to pay higher premiums to make up for the loss to insurers,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “We remain committed to finding and fighting fraud during this pandemic. Our ongoing work with our district attorney partners will help ensure that Californians are protected from those who cheat the system.”
During the investigation, department detectives discovered Cavalcanti attempted to file a new workers’ compensation claim at a different insurance company with her new employer. The new workers’ compensation claim dates and injuries were similar and overlapped with her initial claim. The investigation by detectives prevented payment on this subsequent fraudulent claim and the insurance company incurred no loss.
“The Marin County District Attorney’s Office will continue to partner with the California Department of Insurance to investigate and prosecute workers’ compensation fraud in every form. Whether it is claimant fraud as in the case of Ms. Cavalcanti, which drive up premiums for employers, or businesses who seek to gain an unfair advantage by underinsuring their employees, workers’ compensation fraud remains a priority for our office,” said Deputy District Attorney Sean Kensinger.
Cavalcanti is expected back in court September 9, 2020 for sentencing. The Marin County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case.
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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.
