Electrician Arrested, Accused Of Insurance Fraud, Grand Theft

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA – An electrician from Daly City was arrested last week on suspicion of insurance fraud and grand theft related to the collection of more than $85,000 in worker's compensation benefits, according to state insurance officials.

Michael Williams, 34, suffered a work-related injury in November 2014 and filed a worker's compensation claim. But he allegedly continued collecting benefits despite starting work for a different employer in March
2015, according to the state Department of Insurance.

Two months later, in May, he suffered another injury and filed another claim. According to the office of the insurance commissioner, Williams was collecting worker's compensation benefits from two different employers.

Williams allegedly misrepresented his earnings and employment status to continue collecting benefits and made false statements to a medical examiner. The insurance commissioner also alleged that Williams used his employer's credit card to purchase an engagement ring and pay for other personal expenses.

"Individuals who file fraudulent worker's compensation claims take advantage of a system designed to help honest workers injured on the job," commissioner Dave Jones said Thursday in a statement.

"My department will remain diligent in investigating insurance fraud to protect California consumers and businesses," Jones said.

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