An investigation by the California Department of Insurance in conjunction with the State Compensation Insurance Fund

“Investigators with CDI and SCIF work to protect potential victims of insurance fraud, which can range from companies and consumers to working individuals.  Their work with local district attorneys’ offices sees that justice is served.”

–CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

VENTURA– On December 15, 2023, Mauricio Torres, 41, of Simi Valley, pled guilty and was sentenced for failing to have workers’ compensation insurance, a misdemeanor.  According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Torres was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. He also previously paid $9,868 in restitution to State Fund, a worker’s compensation insurance company.

Torres is the owner of Vero’s Tree Service in Simi Valley, a tree trimming company. An investigation by the California Department of Insurance in conjunction with the State Compensation Insurance Fund found that employees of Vero’s Tree Service were not legally insured by Torres.

According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, workers’ compensation insurance fraud is a major cost driver for the insurance industry, and it places employers who abide by the rules at a significant competitive disadvantage. It also exploits employees who, while working for an under-insured employer, sustain an injury. These employees often do not receive proper medical care for job-related injuries due to this fraud.