“Operation Big Fish” Reels in Another

There were nine new criminal charges filed today against a Glendale attorney, John Akopian. He is said to have been caught up with a group of lawyers and chiropractors who were charged in a staged accident fraud ring in October 2009 as part of “Operation Big Fish.” 

The new charges follow on the heels of the arrests of 10 other people from Glendale, Los Angeles, Compton, Long Beach and Hollywood. According to the District Attorney’s Office, they are all accused of conspiring with Akopian to defraud an insurance company of more than $74,000 through “fishy” staged accidents.  These are merely allegations as there have been no convictions.  All parties are innocent until proven guilty. 

As posted in the Los Angeles Daily News, Akopian is awaiting a May 4^th hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to require him to stand trial on 38 separate counts. Deputy District Attorney Greg Alker noted that he was also charged with nine additional counts of insurance fraud.

The 39-year-old attorney is believed, along with others, to have been an associate of Alexander Igor Gutman, 49, of Sherman Oaks, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Gutman pleaded guilty to 15 counts of insurance fraud and awaits sentencing on September 15^th.