MJM, Inc., a claims and investigative services firm, has workedwith Everest National Insurance Company to bring a California manto justice. A general laborer, Roman Romero was arrested andconvicted of filing fraudulent workers' compensation claims.

According to MJM, Romero alleged that on June 17, 2002 hesustained back and neck injuries while lifting a tree on the job.He sought medical attention and was treated and released on totaltemporary disability. In a 2004 deposition, Romero denied receivingany income, performing any work activities or having the physicalability to perform any duties associated with landscaping work.

Everest National called on MJM to conduct surveillance on Romeroafter he began missing medical appointments. The investigationproduced video documentation of Romero engaging in gardening orlandscaping activities, while still telling his doctors that he wasincapable of working.

Romero is charged with one felony count of insurance fraud andfaces five years supervised probation, time served over 30 daysincarceration, and $22,000 in restitution.

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