Claims Adjuster Arrested on Fraud,Theft Charges

Michael Anthony Green, 43, of Hawthorne, Calif., surrendered himself to Orange County authorities after a warrant had been issued for his arrest. His arrest is the result of an investigation by the California Department of Insurance’s Fraud Division (CDI).

Green is charged with two felony counts of insurance fraud and five felony counts grand theft. Bail was set at $30,000. The case is being prosecuted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. If convicted on all seven counts, Green could face a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison and a minimum $150,000 fine.

“Insurance fraud is a crime we all pay for,” said Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi. “Don’t cheat the system because we, along with our local government and industry partners, will find you, and you will be prosecuted.”

Green was employed as a temporary claims adjuster with Robert Moreno Insurance Services (RMIS), located in Fullerton, California. On Feb. 11, 2003, RMIS alleged to CDI that Green was issuing unauthorized bodily injury settlement checks. Five claim files dating from Jan. 16, 2002, through Aug. 4, 2002, all involving automobile collisions, were identified by RMIS. In these five claim files, five checks totaling $33,650 were initiated by Green for the settlement of bodily injury claims that allegedly never occurred. The suspect allegedly authorized checks from these five claim files made payable to individuals who were not involved in automobile collisions. The checks were then cashed, and the money was used by Green.