Money

Published on: March 19, 2020

Authorities Warn of Scam Artists Leveraging Coronavirus Pandemic

Scammers are busy at work in this time of chaos and uncertainty around the world. Action Fraud, a reporting center for cybercrime in the United Kingdom, reports an increase of 400% in Corona-related fraud incidences.

In the US, the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as attorneys general across the country, report similar increases in fraud related to COVID-19. As the public remains isolated at home, there is increased fear and a need for up-to-date information on the progress of the pandemic. The scammers use familiar methods to capitalize on this fear and the fact that many people are now using technology for the first time.

Published on: March 18, 2020

Louisiana Doctor Marvin Clifton Sentenced in $500K Workers’ Comp Fraud Case

by Brian Silber

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana announced the sentencing of Marvin Clifton, M.D., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after he was convicted of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly submitting more than $500,000 in false claims to the federal Office of Workers’ Compensation Program.

Clifton, 71, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release after his imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and a $100 special assessment. Attorney information wasn’t available.

Published on: March 16, 2020

Former St. Petersburg Attorney Darce Jay Snyder Faces Grand Theft Charge for Stealing $279,000

by Brian Silber

A former St. Petersburg trust attorney was arrested and charged last week for allegedly stealing nearly $279,000 from a client.

Darce Jay Snyder, 68, faces a grand theft charge. He was ordered held on $150,000 bond at the Pinellas County Jail. The press did not name an attorney for him.

Published on: March 14, 2020

Max Louis Citrin of Boca Raton, FL, Accused of Nearly $900,000 in Healthcare Insurance Fraud

by Brian Silber

Authorities in Boca Raton, FL, announced the arrest of Max Louis Citrin for allegedly bilking three health insurers of almost $900,000.

Citrin, 36, was charged with multiple counts of falsifying insurance claims. He is being held at Palm Beach County Jail on $66,000 bond. Attorney information wasn’t available.

Published on: March 10, 2020

Carlos Alberto Gomez-Ibarra of Miami, FL, Arrested for Workers’ Compensation Premium Fraud

by Brian Silber

Florida’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis announced the arrest of Carlos Alberto Gomez-Ibarra last week for allegedly evading paying almost $74,000 in workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

Gomez-Ibarra was charged with workers’ compensation premium fraud. The press did not name an attorney for him.