Fraud News: Fake Flash Flood Claim, Fraudulent Chiropractor Exams, Payroll Scam

Almedina Suljic of Johnston, Iowa, was charged with one count of Insurance Fraud – Presenting False Information (Class D Felony) following an investigation by the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau.

The charges against Suljic stem from an investigation that began in September 2018. It is alleged that Suljic submitted a fraudulent insurance claim to her insurance company seeking reimbursement through her insurance policy following storms that caused extensive flash flooding in the Des Moines metro area this past summer.

On December 27, 2018, a Polk County warrant was issued for the Suljic’s arrest. On January 3, 2019, Suljic turned herself into Polk County authorities. She posted a $5,000 bond and was released. Trial will be set at a future date.

No additional information will be provided at this time.

Former N.J. Police Officer Sentenced to Prison for Sandy Fraud

A former police officer has been sentenced to prison for his role in stealing $187,000 in federal Superstorm Sandy relief funds to repair a vacation home on the New Jersey shore.

The Asbury Park Press reports 45-year-old Nikola Lulaj was sentenced to five years in prison Monday after his conviction in October on conspiracy, theft by deception and unsworn falsification charges.

Officials say the former Hoboken officer and his wife, Majlinda, falsely claimed their Seaside Heights home was their primary residence when the storm hit in October 2012.

Prosecutors say the couple lived in Dumont at the time and later moved to the Seaside Heights home.

Majlinda Lulaj will avoid prison time and serve three years of probation after completing 50 hours of community service.

Alabama-Based Chiropractor Gets 3 Years in Fraud Case

An Alabama-based chiropractor, who was accused in a scheme to conduct fraudulent physical examinations on prospective long haul truckers and submit false documents to federal transportation regulators, has been sentenced to more than three years in prison.

The Ledger-Enquirer reports Chief U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins of the Middle District of Alabama sentenced Dr. Kenneth G. Edwards, of Columbus, Georgia, to 37 months on Thursday. Watkins says the 65-year-old physician, who practiced in Phenix City, had abused the trust placed in him by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The offense netted Edwards about $224,000.

U.S. Attorney Louis V. Franklin Sr. says the doctor was willing to risk putting physically unqualified individuals behind the wheels of large commercial vehicles to make a few easy bucks.

Houston Company to Pay $250K to Settle Workers’ Comp Fraud Case

A Houston company pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation premium fraud in a case that spanned four years. Alpha Mar, which makes custom parts for various industries, entered the plea in a Travis County District Court. The company was ordered to pay $250,000 to Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the workers’ compensation carrier.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation’s (DWC) prosecution unit obtained the conviction. The DWC prosecution unit is embedded in the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

From 2008 to 2012, John Stergion of Alpha Mar concealed payroll and misrepresented the number of employees the company had. This resulted in a lower workers’ compensation policy premium.