CFO Jimmy Patronis said, "Today, we arrested nine individuals who are the ringleaders of an elaborate fraud scheme, with more arrests to come. I will not stand by and let Floridians pay for higher insurance rates because of criminals gaming the system. Through my Fraud Free Florida initiative, we are expanding our investigative efforts to protect Florida from scam artists. I thank the Miami-Dade Police Department and State Attorney Rundle for coming together with my fraud detectives and bringing these individuals to justice."

 

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said, "Effective crime-fighting always relies on effective crime-fighting partnerships.  As this case shows, our great partnership with CFO Patronis’ fraud detectives and the Miami-Dade Police Department will continue to round up those who feel they can get away with the costly crime of insurance fraud.   All involved homeowners and fraud organizers who feel this is an easy crime will face justice."

 

The joint fraud investigation was initiated after several insurance companies notified authorities of suspected fraudulent residential insurance claims in the South Florida and Tampa areas. Detectives believe that The Rubicon Group, a public adjusting company owned by Barbara Maria Gonzalez, committed organized fraud and grand theft. Gonzalez allegedly utilized the services of unscrupulous Florida companies, including water mitigation and restoration companies, insurance agencies and agents, appraisers, and willing homeowners to allegedly commit the fraud.

The investigation remains open and ongoing and more arrests are expected.

 

 

Arrests made today include:

Barbara Maria Gonzalez
Rafael Exposito
Rigoberto Lopez
Ricardo Alvarez
Jose Gonzalez
Romy Valdespino Rodriguez
Alessandra Kruger
Alicia Pardey
Ricardo Tello