“Operation Straight Body” Charges 53

Earlier this week officials announced the arrests of 53 mechanics accused of insurance fraud after over 150 investigations in Orange County.  Between January and May “Operation Straight Body” targeted auto repair shops that had received consumer complaints over the last three years.

 Among those arrested is Speed Channel’s reality celebrity Richard Evans, who has appeared on such shows as “Chop Cut Rebuild” and “Monster Garage”.  Evans is the owner of Huntington Beach Body Builders, one of the probed auto shops.

 According to The Daily Pilot investigators set up probes using damaged vehicles to catch mechanics who agreed to file all the damages under one insurance claim even if multiple damages were from difference occurrences.

 “Using two cars already totaled by their previous owners’ insurance companies, investigators shopped around repair work for a 2001 Ford Expedition and a 1999 Mercedes Benz E430.”

“The Expedition was missing its rear bumper and had a dent on the rear hatch. The Mercedes had been rear-ended and the left side of the bumper wasn’t attached to the car.”

“The catch: Investigators with the Expedition asked mechanics if they could repair everything and list it under one insurance claim, even if the damage was done in separate incidents.

 The defendants are each charged with one count of felony insurance fraud and if convicted can face up to a maximum of five years in prison.  Orange County District Attorney, Tony Rackaukas had this to say about shops willing to engage in this type of illegal activity:

 “This prosecution puts dishonest operators and anyone thinking of committing fraud on notice,” Rackauckas said. “We are watching them and they can be prosecuted. If a shop is willing to commit fraud against an insurance company, they are willing to commit fraud against customers. They should be concerned.”

 A full list of those arrested can be viewed here.  The Orange County authorities have sent a clear message to auto body shops in the area with regard to bilking insurance carriers and ultimately the consumer. Don’t do it!