Valentino H. Douglas, 45, of Rialto, was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center on multiple counts of felony insurance fraud after receiving more than $112,000 in workers' compensation benefits for an alleged work injury that actually occurred a month earlier while playing softball.
While employed as a security officer at Rialto High School, Douglas filed a workers' compensation claim in July 2013, two months after an altercation with a student claiming that he injured his shoulder during the incident. An investigation by Department of Insurance detectives revealed Douglas sought treatment a month earlier for the same shoulder injury stating that it occurred while playing softball.
"Workers' compensation fraud is a costly crime that we all pay for," said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "Insurers pass along the cost of their losses to businesses through higher insurance premiums and those costs are passed onto to consumers through higher prices for goods and services. Ultimately, there is a ripple effect on our economy."
Videotape evidence also showed Douglas exercising with a boot camp group with no apparent physical limitations. When questioned about his statements to physicians and his exercise activity, Douglas continued to misrepresent the facts of his alleged injury. The case is being prosecuted by the San Bernardino District Attorney's office.