SAN DIEGO- Congratulations and kudos to California  Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) Member Israel Garcia, a California Department of Insurance (CDI) detective who on May 15, 2020 was honored by U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer in the third annual “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice” awards. Detective Garcia received an award for “Investigation of the Year” for his work on a joint operation with the FBI and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, who also received awards.

“Congratulations Detective Garcia.   This award signifies that work you did on a long and complicated case,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “The award is a symbol of the contribution you and all of our members make to  California through the work that you do each and every day.”

“Detective Garcia’s collaboration with other agencies on this case is a testament to our department’s determination and commitment to fighting fraud and protecting consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “The Department of Insurance is honored to have one of our detectives receive this great award from the U.S. Attorney and is extremely proud to have Detective Garcia as an integral part of our law enforcement team.”

This year’s “Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice” awards recognize 77 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers for their work on cases in the San Diego and Imperial counties. These awards are given to agents and officers who display initiative, creativity, and persistence to achieve justice in challenging cases.

Detective Garcia and his colleagues from the FBI and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office worked together to expose systemic corruption in the California workers’ compensation system. The case led to the conviction of 18 individuals, seven corporations, and more than $2 million in fines.

Detective Garcia has been a valuable member of CSLEA and employee at the California Department of Insurance for more than 13 years.