Michael Anthony Green, a claim adjuster from Hawthorne, Calif., surrendered himself to Orange County authorities after a warrant had been issued for his arrest, and was charged with two felony counts of insurance fraud and five felony counts grand theft. Green was employed as a temporary claim adjuster with Robert Moreno Insurance Services, in Fullerton, Calif. On Feb. 11, 2003, the company reported Green to the California Department of Insurance for issuing unauthorized bodily injury settlement checks.

The DOI opened an investigation into Green's activities and discovered five claim files dating from Jan. 16, 2002, through Aug. 4, 2002, involving payouts totaling $33,650 for the settlement of bodily injury claims that, allegedly, never occurred. The DOI is charging Freen with authorizing checks made payable to individuals who were not involved in automobile collisions, cashing the checks, and spending the money.

If convicted on all seven counts, Green could face a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison and a minimum $150,000 fine.