LAPD Sergeant Arrested for Fraud

A 24-year veteran of the LAPD, Juan Fernandez, may have thrown away a long career in law enforcement after being arrested on the suspicion of workers’ compensation insurance fraud.

According to police and the Contra Costa Times, Fernandez surrendered on January 11^th after a warrant was issued, and he was released on $30,000 bail. He was booked on suspicion of felony counts of workers’ compensation insurance fraud and insurance fraud, plus another misdemeanor count of insurance fraud.

Police stated that Fernandez had been off duty on a workers’ compensation claim that began on May 13, 2010, after which he returned to work on March 27, 2011.

The investigation is said to have began after Fernandez allegedly “submitted inconsistent doctors’ notes.”

Investigators allege that Fernandez submitted an altered doctor’s note that allowed him to stay off work beyond the prescribed period, and that he continued to receive compensation to which he was not entitled.

It is puzzling that someone with so many years on the force would commit a felony to avoid reporting to work, should these allegations prove to be true.  According to the LAPD, if he’s convicted, Fernandez could face up to seven years in state prison, and/or a fine of up to $150,000.