Fake Lawyer, Bogus Claim, Real Indictment

An Arizona man has found some legal trouble after being indicted on January 18^th by a grand jury and charged with one count each of fraud, theft and forgery for allegedly posing as an attorney and involving himself in an insurance fraud scam.

According to the Arizona Daily Star and a news release from the Arizona Attorney General’s office, Victor Paul Vasquez, 41, was arrested on January 12^th and booked into the Maricopa County jail.

The release stated that back in September of 2011 Vasquez identified himself as “Victor Vasquez, Esq.” and allegedly collaborated with State Farm Insurance on behalf of Guadalupe Medrano, who was involved in a car crash.

To settle the claim, State Farm issued a $12,500 check to Vasquez in Medrano’s name. Vasquez cashed the check, but did not give any of the money to Medrano, who has $8,000 in unpaid medical bills.

In August of 2008, the Maricopa County Superior Court issued a cease and desist order to Vasquez to stop posing as an attorney.

Vasquez is scheduled to be arraigned January 26^th.  One can’t help but wonder if he plans to represent himself in this legal process.