Texas Man Guilty in Insurance Fraud Case

A 42-year-old Nederland, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations related to fraudulent insurance claims in the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced.

Antonio Govea Figueroa pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith F. Giblin.

According to information presented in court, from June 2008 to November 2013, Figueroa, the owner and operator of Tony’s Kustom & Collision in Port Arthur, Texas, electronically submitted claims to Farmers Insurance for collision work.

Farmers launched an investigation after the company became suspicious of the invoices submitted by Figueroa. An inspection of 44 claims revealed Figueroa claimed repairs that were not actually done and claimed to use new parts when salvaged or inferior parts were actually used without the consent or knowledge of the insured.

Figueroa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and restitution of $118,013.34 at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Farmers Insurance Significant Investigations Unit and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.

Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office