Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia Highlights 45 Arrests in July Amid Ongoing Efforts to Combat Fraud
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Today, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia highlighted 45 arrests in July amid ongoing efforts to combat fraud in Florida. The arrests were made following investigations by the Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division through the Bureau of Insurance Fraud, Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud, and the Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations.
Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said, “There is no safe place in Florida for criminals to hide. My office has continued to stay one step ahead to dismantle fraudulent schemes as fraudsters try to exploit Floridians time and time again. As we continue to highlight the hard work of my investigators, let this be another reminder that if you are stealing from Floridians, you will end up in handcuffs and behind bars.”
The Bureau of Insurance Fraud’s investigations led to 22 arrests totaling $1.3 million in fraud. The largest loss occurred in July, totaling $408,416 from a workers’ compensation fraud scheme allegedly conducted by Juan Carlos Roque Hernandez and Alma Torres Levia.
Investigations conducted by the Bureau of Public Assistance Fraud led to 7 arrests this month totaling $190,183 of fraudulently obtained public assistance benefits. Among those arrested, Takila Mckenzie fraudulently obtained $41,351 by concealing her income and making false statements. This was the highest amount of public assistance fraud in July for CID.
Additionally, 10 public assistance fraud cases were presented for criminal prosecution totaling $205,059, and 27 cases were referred for administrative action totaling $108,737. Those who were referred for administrative action could be disqualified from receiving SNAP benefits for either 12 months, 24 months, or permanently, depending on their previous violation history.
The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations assisted in 16 arrests, resulting in a potential dollar loss of $113,669.
CFO Ingoglia encourages anyone with knowledge of fraud to report it at FraudFreeFlorida.com | Florida Department of Financial Services.
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About the CFO
Florida
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia serves as
the state’s top financial watchdog, a member of the Florida Cabinet, and the
head of the Florida Department of Financial Services. As CFO, he oversees
billions of dollars in state funds and is committed to protecting taxpayer
dollars, strengthening Florida’s fiscal health, and delivering essential
services that support the state’s excellent economy. As State Fire Marshal, CFO
Ingoglia also works every day to support Florida’s first responders as they
risk their lives to serve and protect communities across the state.