An Oxnard police officer has been arrested on suspicion of workers' compensation fraud.
Edward Idukas, 26, was arrested Tuesday and was placed on temporary totally disabled status after he reported to a supervisor on Dec. 29, 2009, that he had injured his back while bending over at his locker and complained of pain and limited mobility. He received disability pay over the next several months.
Investigators discovered Idukas was playing baseball weekly in a local adult league while receiving disability benefits from the city of Oxnard. While these activities were taking place, Idukas complained to doctors and physical therapists that he was too disabled to return to his duties as a police officer.
The officer ultimately collected around $70,000 in workers' compensation benefits. Prosecutors on Tuesday filed five counts of felony insurance fraud against Idukas.
Each count carries a maximum of three years in state prison and a fine of $150,000. Prosecutors said Idukas could be ordered to pay restitution and be liable for the cost of the investigation if convicted.
Idukas was booked into Ventura County jail on Tuesday then released on bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday.
If you or someone you know is facing charges of fraud, you need an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the use and function of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines in order to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.
Ventura County Criminal Defense Attorney Robert Helfend has handled many cases dealing with federal prosecutors, including fraud and knows how to avoid the pitfalls that are part of the guidelines.
Contact his law office today for your best possible outcome.