Calif. Woman Charged on Felony Counts Involving Disability, Unemployment Insurance Fraud

Ventura County (Calif.) District Attorney Gregory Totten announced that Alexa Briana Reeves, a 32-year-old Oak Park, Calif. resident, has been arrested and charged with five felony counts of disability and unemployment insurance fraud. The prosecution of Reeves follows an investigation conducted by the State of California Employment Development Department (“EDD”).

Reeves filed three separate disability and unemployment insurance claims with the EDD in 1998, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003. For each claim she was paid benefits based upon her representations that she was not working and was unable to work. Certification forms Reeves submitted to the EDD bearing the signatures of four doctors substantiated her claims.

An investigation reportedly revealed that Reeves never treated with these doctors and that their signatures on the forms were forged. It was also reportedly discovered that Reeves worked and earned income while she collected unemployment. Reeves fraudulently procured more than $20,000 in disability and unemployment insurance benefits.

Reeves was arrested on March 2, 2004, and was released after she posted a $10,000 bond. Reeves entered not guilty pleas at her arraignment on March 30, 2004. Further proceedings are set for April 27, 2004.

If convicted, Reeves may be imprisoned for up to four years.