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For Immediate Release:  
For Further Information Contact:
April 22, 2005

Office of The Attorney General
- Peter C. Harvey, Attorney General
Division of Criminal Justice
- Vaughn L. McKoy, Director
Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
- Greta Gooden Brown, Insurance Fraud Prosecutor

 

Rachel Sacharow
609-984-1936

 

Monmouth County Man Pleads Guilty to $14,800 Theft in Workers Compensation Insurance Fraud Scam

TRENTON - Division of Criminal Justice Director Vaughn L. McKoy announced that a Monmouth County man has pleaded guilty for his role in a workers compensation insurance fraud scam.

According to Director McKoy and Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Greta Gooden-Brown, Douglas E. “David” Fittinger, 59, East Main Street, Manasquan, Monmouth County, pleaded guilty before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Bette Uhrmacher to a criminal Accusation filed by the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor. The Accusation charged Fittinger with theft by deception (3rd degree). When sentenced on June 24, Fittinger faces up to five years in state prison, and a criminal fine of up to $15,000. Fittinger may also face civil insurance fraud fines pursuant to the civil Insurance Fraud Prevention Act.

At the guilty plea hearing, Fittinger admitted that between Feb.1 and June 10, 2003, he wrongfully obtained workers compensation payments from his employer, Ralph Clayton and Sons Concrete, located in Lakewood, Ocean County. Ralph Clayton and Sons Concrete is self-insured for workers compensation insurance meaning that it, rather than an insurance company, makes workers compensation insurance payments. It administers its own workers compensation insurance plan.

Fittinger admitted that he claimed total disability from his job as a truck driver in order to steal more than $14,880 in workers compensation insurance money when, in fact, he was not disabled. An investigation by the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor determined that Fittinger was dancing at a night club, training as a firefighter, working on a boat, and engaging in other conduct inconsistent with his claim of total disability.

State Investigator Carlos Ortiz, Civil Investigator Angelo Vastano, and Deputy Attorney General Peter W. Lee were assigned to the investigation. DAG Lee represented the Division of Criminal Justice - Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor at the guilty plea hearing.

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